For David Cawthorne, it takes more than a life-changing accident to put paid to his artistic skills.

He broke his neck in a sporting accident when he was just 18. But his never-say-die attitude means he found a way to paint using his mouth to hold the brush.

Now he has a work of art for sale as a Christmas card.

Castleford-born artist David Cawthorne, a former miner, said he was thrilled his piece had been chosen.

David pictured painting at his home at Castleford Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme

placeholder image — David pictured painting at his home at Castleford Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme

Wishing Well was selected from among thousands of paintings reviewed from mouth and foot painters around the world and it will be part of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) 2026 Christmas collection in the UK.

His paintings have been chosen for MFPA Christmas cards before, but this selection comes in a special landmark year.

The MFPA is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026, highlighted by a major London exhibition attended earlier this year by the Duchess of Edinburgh in recognition of seven decades of its artists’ unique work.

Mr Cawthorne said: “Painting gave me a career when I thought I had lost one. To have my work chosen again, and in the 70th anniversary year, makes me very proud."

Local artist David Cawthorne has had his "Wishing Well" artwork selected to be transformed into a Christmas card, the main way members of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) earn their living as a member through the sale of seasonal products featuring their original artworks.

Tom Yendell, Board Member and President of the MFPA, said: “Thousands of paintings are considered and only a handful become Christmas cards.

"David's Wishing Well stood out, and we are delighted to include it in our 70th anniversary collection."

Mr Cawthorne, 64, started work at Fryston Colliery at 16. At 18 he broke his neck playing rugby league, and was introduced to painting in hospital as occupational therapy.

He became an Associate Member of the MFPA in 1998 and works from his studio in the garden. Earlier this year he featured on the BBC's Antiques Road Trip.

Mr Cawthorne married Gillian in 1983, and with Gill and her family’s support his painting skills have flourished.

He was made an Associate Member of the MFPA in 1998, and has attended numerous international conferences, representing his fellow artists.

He enjoys painting landscapes, especially those including water, preferring to capture the serenity of calm seas and peaceful lakes.

He rents a studio with a group of other professional artists in Wakefield, something that he finds gives him discipline in his painting.

He said: “The MFPA has given me a reason to get out of bed, broaden my horizons, allowed me a greater independence. But most importantly being proud to part of the association.”

The Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) is an association of professional artists who, because of disability, paint using their mouth or feet.

The Mouth and Foot Painting Artists is an international partnership of artists who paint with brushes held in the mouth or by the feet. It was founded by the mouth painter Erich Stegmann in 1956, 70 years ago.

It supports 28 artists across the UK, who earn a living primarily through the sale of Christmas cards, calendars and other products featuring their original artwork.

Wishing Well (Christmas Card number 619) costs £1 among others, with discounts on larger orders, from mfpa.co.uk.