James Tortice
Young Neurodivergent Artist & Campaigner
About the Artist
James is a 13-year-old artist and fundraiser whose work captures kindness and creativity in equal measure. He has been painting and selling his art since the age of seven, raising thousands of pounds for causes that matter to him.
Now in Year 9 at a specialist ADHD and autism school, James thrives in an environment that supports his unique strengths. Although he is modest about his talent, his art has spoken volumes, from a sold-out solo exhibition to features on Blue Peter and The One Show.
The Lion & The Hare
James is currently fundraising for his friend Oscar, who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1 when he was ten days old. The money raised helps fund Oscar’s physiotherapy so he can live as independent a life as possible. When James heard about Oscar, he painted a lion, Oscar’s favourite animal, and created cards featuring a hare, which was his grandma’s favourite of his paintings.
James is also raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support after both his mum and grandma were diagnosed with cancer a year apart. His grandma is still undergoing treatment, and the family has received a great deal of support from Macmillan throughout.
His bond with his grandma, his empathy for others, and his determination to help where he can shine through in every piece. For James, art is not only about painting; it is about giving back, spreading kindness, and proving that creativity can make a real difference.
These cards are available for purchase via our marketplace: Hare Card & Lion Card
Help James Make a Difference
If you’d like to support James in his mission to make a difference through creativity, you can do so by donating to the causes closest to his heart. His artwork is helping raise funds for Tree of Hope, supporting his friend Oscar’s physiotherapy and independence, and for Macmillan Cancer Support, in honour of his mum and grandma. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps turn compassion into action proving that art truly can change lives.
Stories Like James’s Are Everywhere.
Learn more about the reality of life behind the scenes for families like James’s. James is lucky to have access to support and encouragement, but for many children the pressures behind the scenes can make it hard to create, connect, or simply be themselves. Here are some of the issues affecting thousands of families across the UK:
SEND Crisis
The SEND system is in crisis. Thousands of children are left without the right school, denied EHCPs, or stuck on endless waiting lists. Councils are overwhelmed, delays are unlawful, and families are forced into exhausting legal battles just to access basic support. This isn’t rare. It’s happening everywhere, and it’s getting worse.
Carer Burnout
Caring for a disabled or neurodivergent child is a full-time job) with no pay, no breaks, and little support. Carers, especially mothers, often lose careers, health, and community just to keep their children safe. The toll is relentless: exhaustion, grief, and financial hardship. Burnout isn’t just a buzzword. It’s real, and we feel it. And far too many of us are barely holding on.
Mental Health Crisis
Families of disabled children are forced to fight for every basic right. To get support, we must chase paperwork, relive trauma, and prove our child’s needs again and again. All whilst continuously being ignored or dismissed. Many are pushed to breaking point just trying to be believed. The system isn't broken by accident. It's built this way.