Rachel

Lisa says: "When I connected with Rachel, I immediately noticed the bright smile and the sparkle in her eye in her social media images. In our online conversations, she talked with immense pride about her work and how she and her colleagues were helping each other through it, referring lightheartedly to her 'work wife'. She also spoke of the loss of a colleague though, as well as the challenges of balancing life as a mum of two with such a tough full-time job. When she sent images for me to consider for her portrait, the image I chose, I felt, showed the struggle behind the smile. The look in her eyes shows pain, but strength. The colour I chose for the background not only complements the blueish-green hue we've all become accustomed to associating with the NHS and its staff, but also represents a sense of calm. Rachel and her colleagues are the first on the scene in times of crisis and we rely on them to show strength and calm. In this painting, Rachel is emerging from a darker place. During this crisis, and in any other emergency, paramedics such as Rachel bring their light to help us out of the darkness."

Rachel says: "The opportunity to take part in #portraitsforNHSheroes was so humbling. It was an opportunity to capture a lasting memory of the Covid-19 pandemic, as a reminder for myself of one of the most testing times in my 17-year ambulance service career. The portrait takes pride of place in my home and has captured a piece of history from a period in my life which has moments I would like to forget but has also developed my resilience. I would like to extend my thanks to the artist; she has beyond all expectations captured me in this moment perfectly."