Heath Ledger link in Johnny Depp’s donation to Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation

A donation to the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation by Johnny Depp was inspired by the family of legendary late WA actor Heath Ledger, it can be revealed.

Depp donated the proceeds made from the sale of a painting depicting Ledger, created through his Never Fear Truth artwork collection, as part of a $1.17 million pledge to several charities across the globe.

Depp’s creation of his close friend Ledger was sold in the form of non-fungible tokens — one-of-a-kind, verifiable digital assets traded using blockchain technology.

PCHF chief executive Carrick Robinson told The West Australian Ledger’s family, which hails from Perth, had nominated the Foundation as the recipient of money made from the NFT.

“We welcome this contribution to help the Foundation improve the lives of WA’s sick kids and it’s great to see the legacy of Heath Ledger continuing to make an impact on the WA Community,” Mr Robinson said.

The Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, The Footprint Coalition and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles were also among the benefactors of Depp’s $1.17 million pledge.

Depp in January announced he was becoming part part of the ever-growing trend of non-fungible tokens.

The Hollywood star said he would release over 10,000 unique non-fungible tokens drawn from his paintings of friends and personal heroes.

The painting includes portraits of himself, Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, Hunter S. Thompson, his daughter Lily-Rose Depp, Tim Burton, Johnny’s late dog Mooh and a fictional character created by his son called Bunnyman.

“I’ve always used art to express my feelings and to reflect on those who matter most to me, like my family, friends and people I admire,” Depp said at the time.

“My paintings surround my life, but I kept them to myself and limited myself. No one should ever limit themselves.”