Hibee daft artist produces Marius Zaliukas painting to raise funds for MND Scotland

An Edinburgh estate agent has put his football allegiance aside to create a Marius Zaliukas tribute to raise money for MND Scotland.

Painting of the late Marius Zaliukas that is being used to raise money for MND Scotland

Sean Nicol, 31, from Liberton, was so moved by the circumstances that led to the death of the ex-Hearts skipper that he immediately began work on a tribute artwork that will see all proceeds from its sale going to support research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The new father will produce prints alongside the original piece and five pounds from every sale will also go to the charity.

Zaliukas’ tragically passed away just 11 days before his 37th birthday after a brave struggle with MND.

Sean works as an estate agent full time

The news of his death sent shockwaves across the capital when Hearts defeated Hibs in the Scottish Cup Semi Final on Halloween this year.

The record overseas appearance-holder for Hearts is fondly remembered for lifting the cup in 2012 after their infamous 5-1 demolition of their Capital derby rivals.

Easter Road season ticket-holder Sean had no qualms about producing the work that depicts Zaliukas in a 2012 Scottish Cup winners t-shirt holding aloft the Cup.

He said: “The main thing for me when these things happen is to come out in support and to remember that he was not some captain who hammered us in a derby cup final but a human being who has lost a life. It is like when former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen passed and Celtic fans came out in support.

Close up of the painting of the late Marius Zaliukas that is being used to raise money for MND Scotland

“Painting in maroon has never bothered me as I do not feel it is quite the same intensity as the Old Firm. They are obviously our biggest rivals and it is far from a soft spot that I have for them but it's a softer rivalry here in Edinburgh.

“Hopefully the painting can get some publicity and it can raise money for a great cause whilst at the same time raising awareness of this debilitating disease.”

Sean had previously produced a painting for Ricksen’s last MND fundraiser before he died and managed to raise over £2,500 for the charity.

Historically the estate agent has just used his spare time to create a variety of paintings that are also available in prints. A selection of his creations can be found on his website and range from Celtic’s treble treble win to Hibs winning the cup and even one of Rudi Skacel.

Iain McWhirter, head of fundraising at MND Scotland said, "This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to own a one-of-a-kind piece of art, honouring the late Marius Žaliūkas. I'd like to thank the artist, Sean Nicol, for donating this original painting to raise vital funds for, and awareness of, Motor Neurone Disease.

"If you miss out, there are also prints available, and £5 from each sale will go to MND Scotland. All funds raised in Marcus' memory, will help us continue providing emotional, financial and practical support to families affected by MND when they need us the most, and fund pioneering research which is taking us closer to a cure."

Bidding for the art work ends this Saturday at 6:30pm on Ebay - at the moment the highest bid stands at £495.

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