Roaring Art Auction: Lions on Parade to Fight Cancer!

Next month, a unique collection of lion sculptures will be auctioned in Gloucestershire to raise money for a new cancer care centre at Cheltenham General Hospital. These colourful lions were part of the Lions at Large trail, which featured more than 30 sculptures designed by local artists and displayed at different landmarks throughout the region. Thousands of people visited the trail, enjoying the creative designs and the sense of community it brought. Now, the lions will be sold to the highest bidders, with each sculpture starting at £3,000. The funds raised will go directly to supporting the construction of a modern cancer centre, which will help many patients in the future.

Charlie Homer, who leads income generation for the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity, said the auction is a key moment for fundraising. He encouraged as many people as possible to get involved, whether by bidding or simply spreading the word. Homer also expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the trail, saying it brought colour, joy, and a strong sense of community to Gloucestershire. The event has united people for an important cause, and the charity is thankful for all the support.

Among the sculptures, two have special significance for their designer, Janine Smith. Her piece, The Tyger, is a tiger-striped lion inspired by William Blake's famous poem and honours the oncology team who treated her father over 15 years ago. Janine wanted the sculpture to stand out, just as the care her father received did. Her other lion, Look for The Stars, is dedicated to cancer support networks and features quotes from Martin Luther King and Oscar Wilde. Janine explained that her design reflects the message of the Big Space Cancer Appeal, which is about finding hope and beauty even during difficult times. Dr Jessica Bailey, a clinical consultant oncologist at Gloucestershire Hospitals, said the community's response to the Lions at Large trail has been overwhelming. She enjoyed seeing families, friends, and colleagues exploring the trail together. As the lions prepare to go to auction, Dr Bailey expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved.

Online bidding will be available in the weeks leading up to the auction, making it easy for people to participate. Before the auction, there will be a farewell event at Cheltenham Racecourse from 3 to 5 October, where all the lion sculptures will be displayed together for the first time. The organisers hope this event will bring even more people together and help raise significant funds for the new cancer centre. The story of the lion sculptures has inspired many in Gloucestershire, showing how art and community spirit can make a real difference in people's lives.