A wintry scene at one of the largest reservoirs in the Peak District, Ladybower Reservoir, will be the exclusive 2024 Christmas card design from an award-winning Sheffield artist for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

For the past ten years Margaret Ellis has lovingly crafted watercolor designs for Bluebell Wood’s exclusive Christmas card range, raising thousands of pounds for the charity.

This year’s scenic original shows families strolling along beside the stunning reservoir, as the sun sets over the hills. Margaret’s latest watercolour, ‘Winter Walk at Ladybower Reservoir’ joins her previous designs which depict local landmarks and areas including Castleton, the Peace Gardens, Chatsworth House and the Botanical Gardens.

Margaret’s work is often seen in many local galleries but this year, she has kindly gifted the original to Bluebell Wood, where it will be admired by staff and families supported by the hospice.

Margaret said, “It was challenging to paint this year, due to me having cataracts in both eyes, but I was so pleased to complete the painting and hear how happy Bluebell Wood are with it.

“I have since had an operation on my eyes and the results are quite astounding, so I should be able to carry on doing Christmas card paintings in the future.”

This painting was inspired by the RunThrough Ladybower Reservoir Trail Run event being held on 12^th October, where Bluebell Wood is the official charity partner for 2024. 

The cards will be sold at the event and at the various Christmas fundraising activities that the team will be hosting during the festive period. Margaret’s latest design can be found on Bluebell Wood’s online shop https://www.bluebellwood.org/shop alongside a fantastic range of Christmas cards, gifts and stocking fillers.

Sam Wood, Income Generation and Communications Director at Bluebell Wood, said: “We are so grateful to Margaret for once again painting a stunning picture for our Christmas card this year, especially whilst she has had challenges with her health. Margaret’s designs are always popular among our supporters, and we are proud to have this exclusive design with such a nice representation of families and the beautiful Ladybower scenery.

“Every card we sell will help us support local children and families this Christmas. You’ll be getting a timeless piece to send to a loved one or keep for yourself, whilst making a real difference to families going through the toughest of times.”