Art trail statues raise £575k for hospital charity

An auction of life-sized lion sculptures which formed an art trail across South Yorkshire has raised £575,000 for the Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity.

In total 150 lions and lionesses, and 150 cubs, which were designed by artists, school pupils and community groups, were dotted around the county between June and September.

Many of the statues were auctioned off during two events at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, with one selling for £26,000.

Thanking all those who bought one of the lions, John Armstrong, from the charity, said: "Not only are you now the proud owner of a unique work of art, but you're leaving a legacy on the future of Emergency Care for children and young people."

The Pride of Yorkshire art trail followed similar trails of bears 2021 and elephants in 2016, and was set up to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Sheffield Children's Hospital.

Money raised from the auction will go towards the £20m redevelopment of the Emergency Department at the hospital.

The project will see the creation of purpose-built clinical environments with the aim of cutting waiting times, improving the experience of families and creating spaces for high-quality care for patients with additional needs.

Guests at the auction included musicians Richard Hawley and Nick Banks, This is England actor Thomas Turgoose, artist Pete McKee, and Sheffield United player Femi Seriki.

The Echoes of Hillsborough lion by Zoe Burgar was bought by Sheffield Wednesday Chairman David Storch for £26,000.

The remaining lions are due to be sold privately or given away as prizes, while the 150 cub statues will be returned to the schools and community groups which designed them.

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