Haringey art trail inspired by hospice night owls

Colourful 6ft tall owls, each painted by a different local artist, will soon start to appear across north London - all to raise money for a hospice.

North London Hospice has organised the interactive trail in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art to fund its annual running costs of more than £16m.

The trail features owls dedicated to football teams Tottenham and Arsenal, as well as ones designed by celebrities such as Matt Lucas.

The sculptures will be on display until 13 October.

The trail, named the Big Fun Art Adventure, also comes with an app that allows people to unlock rewards as they find the owls.

They will be joined by 25 smaller 'owlets', designed by local schools and community groups and hidden inside buildings across north London.

Founded in 1984, North London Hospice cares for over 3,500 people with a life-limiting illness every year in the boroughs of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey. 

It also provides some services in Camden and Islington, with a third of its funding coming from the NHS and the rest funded by donations.

The charity says that it chose owls for the trail because "they are known for their wisdom and kindness and for passing on stories through generations and across cultures.

"Hospice staff, like owls, also work through the night supporting patients and healthcare professionals, providing free end-of-life care."

'They were there for us when we needed them'

Grant Morgan (centre) has called for Londoners to support the hospice after they cared for his son, Jack Morgan (right)

Grant Morgan, father of Jack Morgan, 22, who was cared for at North London Hospice, has called on those following the trail to support the charity's work:

“Jack was diagnosed with an incredibly rare cancer in October 2017 and our family experienced the exceptional care and devotion of the hospice.

"Dr Jo Brady was a phenomenal support and shining light to us all during those very dark days, and for that, we shall be forever grateful. We will always remember the support the hospice provided. 

He added that "the team were there for us when we needed them and it has been crucial for us to now be there to support them.”

After eight weeks on their 6ft-high perches, the owls will be auctioned to raise money for North London Hospice.

The owlets will be returned to their respective schools and community groups.

The hospice said it hopes that the trail will "bring people together in a memorable way" as well as raising the funds it needs to provide palliative care to the community.