Maidenhead Advertiser
By Sam Leech
A herd of 30 colourful elephant sculptures is set to descend on Slough and Windsor as part of a charity fundraising mission to help Thames Hospice.
The project, called Trunks Across the Thames, will see elephants decorated with professional artwork pop up at iconic landmarks across both towns over summer next year.
Thames Hospice provides vital end-of-life care to thousands of people each year and is aiming to continue to raise awareness of its services through its creative new campaign.
Chief executive officer Dr Racheal de Caux said Trunks Across the Thames ‘offers a spectacular opportunity to engage with thousands of people’.
Having the sculptures in ‘the heart of our communities’, she said, helps ‘demystify hospice services and demonstrate how we help local families experience quality of life to the end of life’.
More than 100 guests, including former Prime Minister Baroness Theresa May, saw the elephants in action at a launch event at Thames Hospice’s base in Bray on May 22.
Two brightly coloured sculptures were on display including the trail’s ‘elephant hero’ called Hope.
Ten-year-old Penny Pipe told attendees the story of Hope – which is emblazoned with Slough and Windsor landmarks illustrated by artist Jessica Garret.
Heading up the project is Jess Seymour, who also shared the powerful story of her own experience of hospice care.
Her husband Matt passed away at Thames Hospice aged just 35.
Ms Seymour now works for Thames Hospice and spoke at the event about how the support from its staff during that time allowed her family to enjoy lasting moments together.
Thames Hospice, a charity, needs to raise two thirds of its annual almost £20million running costs through its own fundraising.
Dedicated volunteers at charity shops and individual fundraisers taking on their own enormous fundraising missions all play a crucial role.
Sponsors of the Trunks Across the Thames Elephants will also play an important role in this effot.
Sarah Hinds, of jewellers F Hinds – one of the Trunks Across the Thames sponsors – said the company was ‘incredibly proud’ to support the plans.
She added: “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.”
Also supporting the arts trail are the two local authorities it extends across: The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and Slough Borough Council.
Slough Council’s chief executive Will Tuckley said Trunks Across the Thames helped celebrate the region’s ‘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,” he said.
RBWM director of place services Andrew Durrant said: “It is an opportunity to support our community with positivity, smiles and enjoyment for all ages.”