THE GREAT Waddle of Worcester has raised over half a million pounds for St Richard’s Hospice during one of the most financially challenging periods in its 40-year history.
The charity has totted up the final proceeds from last summer’s penguin-themed art trail in the city and found that an incredible £555,499 has been raised towards the £12 million it costs to run the hospice each year.
An independent charity, supporting more than 3,100 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire each year, St Richard’s relies on voluntary support for around 80 per cent of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS.
Sara Matthews, the hospice’s business development manager, said: “A campaign with the community at its heart, we are so incredibly grateful to everyone who waddled with us to support our care at an extremely challenging time for hospice finances.
“The sum raised is only possible thanks to the partners and sponsors, penguin purchasers, artists, local schools and community groups and an army of volunteers, crafters and makers who so generously played a part. Not forgetting our brrr-illiant trail-goers who bought a map or the app, supported our Waddle pop up shop or donated to our care.
“Our amazing community rallied around us to make the Waddle a success just as penguins look out for their neighbours in their time of need. Thank you so much for being part of our hospice huddle.”
The eight-week trail featured 82 penguins large and small, many of which were then auctioned off for raise even more cash for the hospice.
As well as boosting hospice income, an evaluation of the great Waddle of Worcester has revealed city centre footfall increased by 16 per cent during the trail compared to the same period in 2023.
