Swindon: big dog statue 'Patches' donated back to hospice

The dog sculptures raised more than £165,000 for Julia's House charity

One of the dog sculptures which featured in an art trail in Swindon has been donated back to the hospice that painted it.

Patches was one of 72 Swindogs and Swinpups that appeared on The Big Dog Art Trail in the town over the summer.

It was hand-painted by the seriously ill children and siblings cared for by charity Julia's House.

The sculpture raised £9,000 at auction with Jo and Del Hall from Chippenham buying it.

Ms Hall said: "It's great that Patches has been getting lots of attention and is now back in his rightful place.

"The Julia's House children's hospice building is a wonderful facility where the charity can provide their much-needed care in such an amazing space."

The free art trail was the world's first balloon dog art trail and the sculptures raised more than £165,000 for Julia's House at the Grand Auction finale in September.

Babies at the charity helped paint Patches the dog sculpture

The charity is dedicated to supporting the families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Ken Hull, Julia's House lead nurse, said: "We're all thrilled that Patches will now have his forever home at the hospice.

"The children (and staff!) had so much fun creating his colourful design and exploring the trail, it's lovely to keep the sculpture here as a special memento of that experience.

"We've placed Patches just by the front door to greet all the families and it's been brilliant to see everyone's reactions as they arrive."