I was contacted last year by the treasurer of Castleton railway station about creating new artwork to brighten the station, while keeping it in line with its history and heritage.

I arranged to meet at the station where we went through the design and agreed the direction. The idea was to create five pieces of artwork for the train station shelter that would not only lift the space, but also reflect its identity.

Around the same time, I was checking in with Lenny – an 11-year-old collaborator from my debut A Neurodivergent Art Exhibition in 2025. I still speak with his family, and his mum told me he was struggling at the time with the transition into secondary school. I know how tough that can be, so I asked if he wanted to be part of this project to help build his confidence and self-esteem. His mum thought it was a great idea.

Neurodivergent children can find school environments overwhelming, feeling isolated or like they don’t quite fit. Hopefully, giving them something positive to focus on, which is visible and permanent in the real world, can help them feel seen and a sense that they belong.

“Lenny was absolutely thrilled to be asked to be part of the Castleton train station project, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Lenny has recently started at high school and has been struggling with the transition. Being involved in this project has given him a real boost of confidence. This is Lenny’s second project with Dez, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am that Dez has once again given my amazing little boy a chance to shine. Thank you again, Dez – you truly are a wonderful human.” – Lenny’s Mum.

At the same time, I was already working with Crossgates Primary School on what became The Hero Within Project, which is now complete and moving to the exhibition stage. As part of that, I thought it would be a good opportunity to get the pupils involved in this project as well, as a way to introduce them to me through doing, rather than just meeting.

I created a brief for them all to produce drawings or paintings based on the station and its surroundings, and they came up with some brilliant work.

It was then my job to bring everything together into one final set of designs across the five pieces. That part isn’t always easy, but knowing the children involved would have their work displayed publicly, and something they can be proud of, makes it all worthwhile.

The artwork was sent over to the station treasurer and Northern Rail, and they were really pleased with how it looked.

Yesterday, the artwork was installed – It was a bit later than expected, but we’re really pleased with how it looks. Thank you to Ceejays, who have installed all my artwork at different stations and really support me in helping me with the logistical aspect of my designs, as well as sponsoring my big exhibition in 2025.

Due to the short notice, the boys from Crossgates and Lenny (Wardle Academy) weren’t able to attend on the day. I’ll be arranging for them to visit soon so they can see the artwork in place. Local MP Elsie Blundell has also expressed an interest in visiting, which I am looking forward to showing her.

This is a project I could have easily done on my own, but I always prefer to give the work more meaning – and what better way to do it. Bringing local children into it not only helps build their confidence but also creates a stronger connection between the artwork and the community it sits in.

What might look like a simple project carries real weight – this is about visibility, self-worth, and showing that these young people have a place in the world around them.

I want to thank Rod, Treasurer of Castleton Station, for trusting me with this project and reaching out – we got there in the end. Also, Northern Rail for their continued support.

And to the amazing boys from Crossgates and my legend of a mate, Lenny, this only works because of you guys. You’ve created something that will be seen every single day, and that’s something to be super proud of. All of you are really talented, and I’m glad that others can see the artwork you all helped create. 

We all hope that people passing through the station take something from it, and that the artwork helps brighten up their day.