Over £240,000 raised for Maidenhead hospice at elephant sculpture auction
One mini elephant signed by F1 ace Lando Norris sold for £20,000
A Maidenhead hospice has raised more than £240,000 by auctioning off elephant sculptures from an art trail across Slough, Windsor, Eton and Maidenhead.
Thames Hospice held the Herd under the Hammer auction at De Vere Beaumont Estate on Thursday 15th October.
More than 130 people attended in person, and another 140 bid online.
The hospice says the money will help fund care for people and families across East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.
Top lots
A mini elephant from McLaren called Elenorris, signed by Formula 1 driver Lando Norris, sold for £20,000.
Stomp to Attention, which the hospice says was the trail's most visited sculpture, sold for £12,000.
An original watercolour by author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy was also auctioned.
The auction was led by Harry Ballin of Windsor Auctions.
Families and nurses
Hospice ambassador Sandra Jeffs spoke at the event about her son Michael, who was cared for by the hospice team.
Two of the hospice's nurses, Sara and Emma, also spoke about why the money raised matters for local families.
Dr Rachael de Caux, chief executive of Thames Hospice, said: "What an incredible evening."
She said: "It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate the extraordinary generosity that has made this project possible."
She said: "Raising more than £240,000 at the auction alone is an amazing achievement, and we are so grateful to everyone who has played a part."
She said: "It was a truly memorable evening, and we cannot wait to share the final fundraising total for Trunks across the Thames."
The art trail
The Trunks across the Thames trail launched in July with arts charity Wild in Art.
Large and miniature elephant sculptures, designed by professional artists, schools and community groups, were displayed across Slough, Windsor, Eton and Maidenhead.
The free trail ran for nine weeks.
The hospice says the final total raised by the trail will be announced soon.