"What a fantastic gesture": Leeds dad creates brilliant tribute to NHS workers

Paul Young painted the image of a stressed-out nurse with the message 'Protect the NHS' on a wall outside his house in Chatsworth Crescent, Pudsey.

He decided to paint over his existing artwork, a copy of Banksy's Girl with Balloon, to pay tribute to the NHS workers who are caring for people amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The owner of Paul Young Mobile Services, the 36-year-old also wanted the painting to carry a serious message.

"We are big supporters of the NHS in this house," he said. "My mum works in the NHS and my dad is also a key worker.

"We are out on the street with out neighbours clapping every Thursday."

Paul's mum, Pearl, works in respite care at St Mary's Hospital in Armley, and Paul has signed up to be an NHS volunteer.

"The message I wanted to get across is that the nurses are already saying they are so stretched," the father-of-three said. "The more you stay at home, the more you are protecting them."

Paul said that he thought there were still too many people on the streets during lockdown, and called for people to think first before leaving the house.

"I'm hoping that people who walk past the house will see it and get the message, or they'll see it on Facebook," he added.

Paul is a popular figure on Facebook, where he is followed by almost 20,000 people.

A talented artist since his school days, his creations, which include art, music and comedy videos, often go viral online.

One of his fans said: "Brilliant, what a fantastic gesture."

And his dad too is a fan of his work.

Paul Young wrote: "That needs sharing nationwide - it says a million words in one picture.

"Me and your mam think it's brilliant."