Thames Hospice is delighted to announce the official launch of ‘Trunks across the Thames,’ a spectacular public art trail set to bring a vibrant herd of up to 30 majestic elephant sculptures to the streets, parks, and iconic landmarks of Windsor and Slough in summer 2026. This ambitious event, in collaboration with renowned producers Wild in Art, marks a significant milestone for Thames Hospice, promising not only to raise vital funds but also to deeply engage and enrich the local communities it serves.
Trunks across the Thames will run for approximately nine weeks, forming a free, fun, and family-friendly discovery trail. Each unique elephant sculpture will be adorned with bespoke artwork by professional artists and generously sponsored by a local business, organisation, or individual, transforming the towns into a glorious open-air gallery.
“We are incredibly excited to bring our very first art trail, Trunks across the Thames, to life,” says Dr Rachael de Caux, Chief Executive of Thames Hospice. “This project offers a spectacular opportunity to engage with thousands of people in our community including local businesses and schools, the latter via an exciting education and learning programme. We believe that by having these tangible, beautiful sculptures in the heart of our communities, we can open up vital conversations around end-of-life care, helping to demystify hospice services and demonstrate how we help local families experience quality of life to the end of life.”
A symbol of hope and community impact
The elephant was chosen for “Trunks across the Thames” for its powerful symbolism of stability, groundedness, and compassion – qualities that reflect the unwavering care Thames Hospice provides. This trail specifically aims to address the ‘elephant in the room,’ demystifying conversations around death and dying, and creating a place of hope where these essential discussions can happen openly.
This powerful symbolism was celebrated at a recent launch event last Thursday, 22 May 2025. Over 100 guests from local businesses were invited for an exclusive preview including Baroness Theresa May, gathering to meet ‘Hope,’ the trail’s hero elephant, expertly designed by local tattoo artist Jessica Garrett with hand illustrated iconic landmarks from both Slough and Windsor. Guests heard inspiring words from Dr Rachael de Caux and 10-year-old Penny Pipe, who read the story of Hope. This was followed by a poignant personal story from the Hospice’s new Project Manager for the art trail, Jess Seymour. Jess shared how Thames Hospice enabled her to create special moments with her husband Matt, who passed away at the Hospice in 2023 at the age of 35. Jess explained that in their darkest moments, when their family’s world had been turned upside down, the Thames Hospice doctors and nurses were there to support all of them, allowing her to focus on enjoying the time they had left together as family, rather than patient and carer.
A transformative initiative for our community
“Trunks across the Thames is so much more than an art trail,” states Jane Symmons Fundraising Director. “It’s a truly transformative initiative that will not only secure vital financial sustainability for the Hospice but also profoundly raise awareness of hospice care, deepen community connections, and build lasting relationships with new partners, schools and supporters across Windsor and Slough. This project allows us to reach into the heart of our communities, tell our story in a fresh, engaging way, and ensure our free, compassionate care continues to reach everyone who needs us.”
Will Stockley Will Tuckley, Chief Executive, Slough Borough Council said “Slough Borough Council are excited to be supporting and involved in the Trunks across the Thames art trail. This will be a huge opportunity to bring our community together in so many ways, celebrating our rich cultural diversity. We look forward to the joy and inspiration the elephant sculptures will bring to the residents of Slough, their visitors and beyond. As well as supporting the vital work of Thames Hospice, we hope it will encourage people to walk the trail as families and community groups. We look forward to seeing Trunks Across the Thames in Slough in the summer of 2026.”
Andrew Durrant, Executive Director of Place Services, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead “RBWM are delighted to be working with Thames Hospice on an exciting project, Trunks across the Thames. This sculpture trail will create an energy in Windsor in the summer of 2026, and the beautiful elephants dotted around the town will highlight the talents of our artists while encouraging people to get out and about. It is an opportunity to support our community with positivity, smiles and enjoyment for all ages. By attracting people to the area, bringing benefits to local businesses, and raising funds for the Hospice, we look forward to welcoming the Trunks across the Thames trail to the streets of Windsor.”
Join the herd: Get behind Trunks across the Thames!
Thames Hospice is inviting everyone – local businesses, artists, schools, community groups, and individuals – to join its magnificent herd and get behind this inspiring project.
The Hospice is already delighted by the enthusiastic support from its community, including early sponsors like F Hinds. Sarah Hinds of F Hinds, shared “At F Hinds, being part of our local communities is at our heart, so we are incredibly proud to support the ‘Trunks Across the Thames’ campaign. Many of our stores, colleagues, and customers are based in the Thames Valley area, including our headquarters, so this feels especially close to home for us. We’re looking forward to seeing the trail come to life so we can help to raise awareness for such an important local cause.”
Jane, added: “Whether through sponsorship, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your support will leave a lasting legacy within our community.”
