Weldmar Hospicecare is thrilled to announce the resounding success of its inaugural art trail, Stampede by the Sea, which has raised an incredible £182,500 for the charity supported by Vistry Cornwall South West!
The eight week trail, featuring almost sixty vibrantly decorated elephant sculptures, captivated communities and visitors across Bridport, West Bay, and Lyme Regis from late March to May. The magnificent herd then moved to the Corn Exchange in Dorchester for a final exhibition before many were auctioned off at a special event hosted by Weldmar Hospicecare and partners Wild in Art.
The highlight of the auction was the sale of Sanctuary, a breath taking sculpture designed and painted by Bridport-based artist Nicola Dennis. This stunning piece, which had been located outside the Weldmar Hospicecare shop in Bridport during the trail, featured an array of wildlife and fetched an impressive £25,000.
CEO of Weldmar Hospicecare, Caroline Hamblett, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support shown to the charity: “Stampede by the Sea has been an absolutely incredible first art trail for Weldmar Hospicecare in partnership with Wild in Art, and has truly exceeded all expectations. We know that the wonderful elephants not only brought lots of joy to our local community, but also hope that it has significantly raised awareness of the vital services that Weldmar provides. The funds that have been raised will be crucial in allowing us to continue providing specialist care and support to patients and their families across Dorset. A huge thank you to everyone who visited the trail to see the elephants, to our valued partners and sponsors, and of course to those people who attended the auction and placed a bid to buy one of the magnificent sculptures.”
Funds were raised, not only through auction sales, but other fundraising initiates such as a raffle to win a sculpture from the trail, donations, merchandise sales and sponsorships. A Memory Elephant was also created by charity staff member Anissa Lee, hand painted names that had been dedicated by loved ones in return for a donation. The Memory Elephant will remain in the beautiful gardens at Weldmar’s hospice in Dorchester.
Smaller elephants on the trail that were designed by local schools have been returned to them to keep as a lasting reminder of their involvement.
