A SCULPTURE in this summer’s public art trail around Worcester will be a tribute to a school governor from Droitwich Spa who loved butterflies.
Waddle of Worcester will feature a penguin chick to celebrate the life of Jill Wheeler – her family said she would have been thrilled to see her third art trail in the city.
Jill was a governor of St Peter’s Droitwich C of E Academy for more than 21 years, and was cared for by St Richard’s Hospice.
Nikki Wheeler, daughter of Jill said: “Mum loved completing charity sculpture trails around the country with family and friends so sponsoring a miniature penguin painted by the children at St Peter’s in Droitwich feels like the perfect way to honour her memory.
“It’s also a fitting way to say thank you to St Richard’s for the care and compassion they showed Mum in her last few days. We’re so very grateful for everything the team did for Mum and for Mum’s niece, Alex, who was also cared for by the hospice.”
Caroline Sims, assistant head teacher at St Peter’s said Jill was a special governor and the school feels privileged to paint a sculpture to reflect that.
“Jill’s favourite creature was a butterfly so ‘Flutterhigh’ is covered in beautiful butterflies drawn on by every child and staff member in the school.
“Jill very much lived our belief that each child is special and unique, like a butterfly in the wind. We’re all really looking forward to seeing our tribute on display in Worcester and to bringing the sculpture back to school as its forever home.”
There will be a wild in art event bought by the hospice, penguins will waddle into Worcester on July, 22 until September, 15.
Building on the giraffe and elephant trails of previous years which raised more than £700,000 for St Richard’s.
Sara Matthews, business development manager for St Richard’s, said: “When we heard about Jill’s love of art trails, and the role she’d played to inspire young people at St Peter’s in Droitwich, it felt like there was no better tribute to such a special lady who left a big impression on so many.
“We’re grateful to Jill’s husband, Paul, and daughter, Nikki, for supporting our care by sponsoring a mini penguin.”
The great Waddle of Worcester is supported by Presenting Partners; Crowngate, DRPG, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Ambassadors, Community and Education Partner; Worcester BID and Media Partners; the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.
Visit: waddleofworcester.co.uk to find out more.
