L-R: Dennis Evans, Executive Director Platform Housing Group; Bill Simpson, Chairman of the Hopmarket Charitable Trust; Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager St Richards Hospice; with Duncan Sutcliffe, Director Sutcliffe & Co, pictured at the iconic Hopmarket in the Foregate
The charity behind a historic Worcester landmark has joined forces with a local social landlord and firm of insurance brokers to support this summer’s penguin-themed art trail.
The Hopmarket Charity, which manages the centuries-old Hopmarket in the Foregate, has teamed up with Platform Housing Group and Sutcliffe & Co to sponsor a sculpture for the great Waddle of Worcester.
The trio is funding one of 40 beautifully designed large penguins which, along with 40 chicks, will brighten city streets and public spaces for eight weeks from Monday 22 July. A Wild in Art event, the waddle is being brought to Worcester by St Richard’s Hospice.
Bill Simpson, Chairman of the Hopmarket Charitable Trust, said: “We absolutely loved being part of the previous giraffe and elephant trails by sponsoring a sculpture and hosting another here within The Hopmarket. It created a real buzz around the place and the wider city.
“St Richard’s Hospice provides a wonderful service to our community so we’re proud to be supporting its fundraising efforts and to be teaming up with Platform and Sutcliffe & Co.”
Dennis Evans, Executive Director Platform Housing Group, said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with our friends at The Hopmarket and Sutcliffe & Co to bring a penguin to Worcester. Times are tough for many local families so fun, free days out in the city are something to really look forward to this summer.”
Duncan Sutcliffe, Director of Sutcliffe & Co, added: “The hospice’s previous art trails have brought so much to a city we’re very proud to call home. We can’t wait to see 80 penguins waddling in Worcester and are really excited to be playing our part as a sponsor.”
This summer’s event builds on two hugely successful hospice art trails in 2018 and 2021. Giraffe and elephant sculptures were displayed across the city before raising more than £700,000 combined for St Richard’s Hospice.
Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “It’s fantastic to see The Hopmarket, Platform and Sutcliffe & Co joining up to waddle with us and it reflects the spirit of the trails – bringing people together to celebrate our wonderful city with friends, family and with colleagues.”
The great Waddle of Worcester is supported by Presenting Partners; Crowngate, DRPG, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Ambassadors, Community and Education Partner; Worcester BID and Media Partners; the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.
You can follow the great Waddle of Worcester at: https://www.facebook.com/WaddleOfWorcester/, https://twitter.com/WaddleOfWorc and https://www.Instagram.com/WaddleOfWorcester.
One penguin remains available for sponsorship. To discuss sponsorship opportunities, call Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager, on 01905 763963, or email [email protected].
To find out more, visit www.waddleofworcester.co.uk.
