Bournemouth Water has helped to raise £2,485 for children’s hospice, Julia’s House, by sponsoring a tail at the hospice’s Great Tail Trail project.
The trail, which ran from April to June, encouraged participants to explore the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area and engage with artwork, all while raising funds for Julia’s House, a children’s hospice that provides support to families caring for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
The hospice’s dedicated team provides practical and emotional support, both in the home and at their hospices, and believe every family deserves peace, love, and understanding during challenging times.
Bournemouth Water’s stunning mermaid tail sculpture, The Tattooed Mermaid, designed by local artist, Becky Dodd, was placed in Bournemouth International Centre during the trail and was a hit with visitors.
The company pledged to donate 25p for every visitor who used the official Tail Trail app to unlock its sculpture.
Thanks to incredible support from the community Bournemouth Water’s tail was unlocked 1,942 times, raising a total of £485 for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.
The company’s mermaid tail sculpture, The Tattooed Mermaid, was also recently sold at Julia’s House’s Grand Auction for £2,000 further adding to the company’s contribution to the initiative.
Julia’s House’ Great Tail Trail auction raised over £200,000 which could pay for 960 hours of compassionate support from Julia’s House’s care team at home or in the hospice for a child at the end of their life.
Jamie McDonald, Head of Billing and Recovery at South West Water, said:
“We’re delighted that our sculpture attracted nearly 2,000 visitors during the Great Tail Trail, allowing us to donate an extra £485 to Julia’s House.
“We’ve built a close relationship with this incredible charity and know how vital their work and donations are. It’s been a fantastic event for everyone involved.”
Laura Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager for Julia's House, said:
"Bournemouth Water has been a fantastic sponsor of The Great Tail Trail and Julia's House, helping us to raise an incredible £2,485 towards our total.
“Julia's House receives very little government funding, and our costs are continuing to rise along with the demand for our service. The money raised from The Great Tail Trail is absolutely vital in helping us continue our lifeline of care for the local children and families who rely on us.
“We are so grateful to Bournemouth Water and all its staff for their support and enthusiasm - we have loved working with them on this mer-mazing project!"