The founder of two family-run businesses is sponsoring a summer art trail in memory of his daughter.
Digaway & Clearaway Recycling and Skippy Pink Skip Hire, based in Upton upon Severn, are supporting the 2027 Peter Rabbit in the warrens of Worcester art trail.
The companies are sponsoring two sculptures—a large one and a smaller piece that will be designed and decorated by children from a local primary school.
Wayne Southall, founder of both businesses, said the sponsorship is especially meaningful following the loss of his daughter Holly.
He said: “My beautiful 10-year-old daughter, Holly, died in summer 2024 when the hospice’s last trail took place.
“I was able to buy two beautiful penguins at auction, including ‘Waddle I do Without You’, which was not only a very fitting name but was also beautifully painted in all of Holly’s favourite colours.
“The penguins sit in my Mum’s garden in Kempsey as a lasting tribute to Holly.
“When I heard St Richard’s was holding another trail, I jumped at the chance to play a part again.
“Being a sponsor means our companies can support the hospice’s amazing work, while helping a local school take part who might not have had the funds otherwise.”
The trail, organised by St Richard’s Hospice, will run for eight weeks from Monday, July 12 until Sunday, September 5, 2027 and will feature 75 sculptures across Worcester.
Large sculptures will be auctioned off at the end of the trail to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice.
The Wild in Art event follows three previous successful trails in support of the charity.
Sara Matthews, business development manager at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “We are often moved by the motivations of those who buy trail sculptures, but Wayne’s story is, of course, particularly poignant as his family all remember Holly.
“To get involved in another trail as a sponsor and help a local school get involved is another beautiful act of kindness.
“We’re so grateful to have the support of Digaway & Clearaway Recycling and Skippy Pink Skip Hire.”
