Banksy auction to raise funds for NHS

A Banksy artwork which appeared at Southampton General Hospital during the first wave of the pandemic is to be auctioned to raise funds for the NHS.

The work by the anonymous street artist features the kneeling figure of a boy who has discarded Batman and Spiderman in favour of a superhero nurse.

Christie's auction house said the painting "offers an image of hope" and "pays tribute to the strenth and resilience of… the staff of our vital NHS".

The original canvas, entitled Game Changer, will be auctioned on 23 March and has an estimated value of £2.5m to £3.5m. 

A reproduction of the work will remain hanging in the hospital.