Charlton Upbeat painting goes viral: "I drew the picture because it makes me happy"

A picture drawn by Charlton Upbeat William Ely has gone viral on Facebook, with more than 21,000 people seeing his drawing of his favourite pub, the King William in Pembury.

William is a member of the Charlton Upbeats, the Down’s syndrome project Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) has been running since 2008.

William’s drawing is now on display at the pub in Pembury, Kent, and owners Colin and Siobhan were very pleased with it. They said: “Here at the King William in Pembury, we’ve been trying our best to support the NHS and be a hub for the community during the COVID-19 pub closures, but it’s not been easy.

“So when we found out our friend Will Ely had created this painting it really lifted our spirits and helped us to keep going.

“Will is a lovely young man and we know he is proud to be involved with the Charlton Upbeats, and he tells us about the great work CACT does in the community too.”

William said: “I drew the picture because it makes me happy. I felt a bit bored for a couple of days so I did a picture for the pub I like.

“I love the King Will because they are lovely and kind; also, they have a wonderful garden when it’s a nice day, and the bar staff are lovely.”

Colin and Siobhan are looking forward to welcoming people back when it’s safe to do so in line with government guidelines. 

Click here to view the Facebook post that went viral.

There’s still time to donate to the Upbeats following last month’s fundraising walk.

Photo credit: King William IV, Pembury, Facebook page

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