Appeal after Shaun the Sheep statues vandalised
One of the Shaun the Sheep statues was stolen, leaving the plinth empty
At a glance
Martlets Hospice in Brighton appeals to the public not to damage its fundraising statues
The appeal comes after one statue was covered in graffiti, while another was broken and found in a ditch
The charity says each damaged statue could cost them £7,500
- Published
A hospice in East Sussex is appealing to the public after its sculpture trail was repeatedly targeted by vandals.
The fundraising trail for Martlets Hospice features 42 statues of children's TV character Shaun the Sheep across Brighton and Hove.
But the charity said one statue was left daubed with graffiti, while another was stolen and found broken in a ditch.
Members of the public are being urged not to climb on or graffiti the sculptures.
The charity provides support to patients with terminal illnesses and their families.
Martlets hopes to raise about £250,000 by auctioning some of the sculptures when the fundraising trail ends, but says each damaged statue could cost them about £7,500.
Tanya Hunt, director of income generation at Martlets, said: “We know the sheep look so tempting to sit or jump up on, but they’re not toys, they’re works of art to be auctioned with an essential fundraising role in keeping Martlets caring."
Martlets hopes to raise about £250,000 by auctioning some of the sculptures when the fundraising trail ends
She added the charity had "worked so hard" with artists to bring the trail to life.
"We want people to make memories that matter, but stop and think before clambering on a sculpture for a photo or to impress your mates after a night out."
The trail ends on 5 November.
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