A Bury artist who is half Filipino is calling for donations to a project she has launched after being “heartbroken” by the recent tropical storm.

Diane Rickerby’s mother Ruby is originally from Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, and after hearing about how the storm has affected friends, she decided to do something to help.

Diane, aged 30, has worked at Bury Art Gallery for the past four years, and is currently living in Amsterdam on a year-long sabbatical working for a travel company.

She has created some special prints to help raise money for those affected.

Her mother and father are based in Whitehaven, Cumbria, and no members of her immediate family were affected by the storm that hit in November, which has killed more 5,000 people.

But through one of her friends based in the country, she heard the story of Jonas ‘Agit’ Sustento, who was killed by the typhoon along with his wife and mother.

His three-year-old son and father are still missing. Diane said: “I have got lots of friends and family in the Philippines.

“I found it heartbreaking because people have lost their families and people have lost their homes.

“In my small way I want to try and help.

Diane has created a number of hand-crafted lino prints entitled Pintado Heart, and proceeds will go to his family as well as to the Disaster Emergency Committee.

She added: “I don’t know this man but I have friends in the Philippines, and his story really touched me.”

Diane is encouraging donations for the prints, with a suggested minimum of £8, and the prints will also be available to buy in Bury Art Gallery soon.

She has currently raised more than 500 euros, and has set a target of 1,000 euros.

For more information visit pintadoheart.com