Oxford hospice's last call for ox art trail support

Charity fundraising director Beth Marsh (left) said schools are "excited" about supporting OxTrail

Schools, community groups and businesses have until 1 December to offer their support to Oxford's first ever art sculpture trail.

OxTrail, which will be made up of more than 30 uniquely painted life-sized and mini oxen, has been organised by Sobell House Hospice.

So far, 47 schools and community groups have signed up to fundraise to help cover the costs of the scheme.

The trail will go live from 6 July next year.

Beth Marsh said various local organisations have already sponsored an ox sculpture

Charity fundraising director Beth Marsh said nurseries right through to secondary schools were getting "engaged" and "excited" about the idea.

"They're all getting an idea of how they will get involved - whether it is a competition they are going to run or whether they are going to do something based around their ethos and their values," she said.

"Or whether they have everyone taking a small part in it somehow. Many of them have started their fundraising."

Care homes and youth groups are also able to sign up for the project's learning programme, painting an ox sculpture and fundraising for it.

They will get to keep the mini sculptures afterwards and display them at their venues.

The mini oxen mascots Roxy and Cowley will be used to promote the trail

Mrs Marsh said that so far 25 companies have sponsored a life-sized ox and there was room for about six more.

"We have such a large range of organisations getting involved - from the Bodleian Library to ... Oxford Bus Company," she said.

The hospice has been working on two campaign mascots that will be used for display ahead of the trail.

Staff and volunteers designed the mini oxen, named Roxy and Cowley, with bright colours.

Mrs Marsh said they would be part of "building the moo-vement".

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