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Inspired by the architecture of Liverpool Hope’s iconic Hilda Constance Allen (HCA) building, local resident Tom Mason produced a watercolour replica of the historic site.
Tom, who is currently taking part in a Health Ageing research study run by PhD students Kate Mooney and Ben Kirk alongside Dr Farzad Amirabdollahian and Dr Omid Alizadehkhaiyat, was initially drawn to the building’s brickwork.
He said: “When I retired I took a bricklaying course, and walking past the building each time I came in for the study I noticed the skill and craftsmanship that has gone into the structure.
“I’ve also done a course in watercolour painting and regularly paint buildings, such as family and friends’ houses. I decided to have a go at the HCA and brought some prints of the original as a memento for Kate and Ben.”
The research study is looking at exercise and nutrition interventions in age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical functioning. A group of volunteers over the age of 60 have been taking part in a 16-week programme designed to monitor the health benefits of set exercises.
All the participants underwent a full-body MOT at the start of the research and have been working together twice a week in Liverpool Hope’s new gym and sports complex.
Talking about the experience, Tom said: “The course has been brilliant. I heard about it from a friend and it’s a great group who meet each week. I cycle and have always had a level of fitness, but the weight training has been a great experience.”