Go Mo! Farah swaps running shoes for paintbrush

Team GB icon Mo Farah has taken a break from the running track to try his hand at painting.

The track and field Olympic champion painted a self-portrait of himself with the two gold medals he won at the Games last summer. In it, he can be seen performing the 'Mo-bot' a dance move that like Usain Bolt's lightning hand action, became synonymous with the runner's success.

Farah's picture is being auctioned alongside artworks by other big names in aid of national charity the Willow Foundation which provides positive and life-enhancing special days for seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds.

The online auction which starts in 22 November includes pictures by actor John Hurt, athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, footballers Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard, girl group The Saturdays and original artwork from popular children’s cartoons Bagpuss, Noggin the Nog, SpongeBob SquarePants and Moshi Monsters.

Click here or on "View Gallery" for a picture preview

“More than 250 celebrities and artists have taken the time to create their own piece of unique artwork. By doing a quick doodle, or a more artistic creation, they have all done their bit to help young adults living with serious illness," said Bob Wilson, former Arsenal footballer and Willow Foundation co-founder and Life President.

"Buying just one of the many canvases will not only be a fantastic purchase of one-off art or the perfect Christmas gift, but will also mean a great deal to the people who will benefit from a special day during a really tough time of their life.”

An exhibition of the works will open on 29 November at Maddox Arts in London.

For more information visit www.willowfoundation.org.uk

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