Blackpole business adopts penguins in memory of loved ones

A family-run recycling business from Worcester is supporting next summer’s art trail in the city so hospice organisers can keep helping other families into the future.

Blackpole Recycling Limited is joining the great Waddle of Worcester by sponsoring an adult and a baby penguin. Two of eighty sculptures which will brighten city streets and public spaces, the large penguins will later be sold at auction to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice.

The recycling company’s penguin chick will be designed and decorated by children from a local primary school.

Carrie-Ann Dew of Blackpole Recycling, said: “We’re very much a family business so we’re pleased to be playing a part in an event which will be loved by so many local people, including our own team.

“Taking part also allows us to continue our longstanding support for St Richard’s Hospice who cared for my grandad and my husband’s mum and dad. It’s a charity which means a lot to us and this is our way of saying thank you and helping them be there for others in need.”

The trail begins on Monday, 22 July and runs for eight weeks until Sunday, 15 September 2024.

The great Waddle of Worcester is a Wild in Art event brought to the city by St Richard’s following two previous trails supporting its care for patients with a serious progressive illness and their families.

Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “There are so many brilliant ways local organisations can benefit from being part of the trail next summer, including having their brand in front of thousands of trail goers and engaging their workforce.

“Crucially, it’s also an opportunity to give back to others.  We’d like to thank the team at Blackpole Recycling for joining our hospice huddle in memory of their own loved ones and also giving a local school the chance to be part of our mini penguin parade.”

Forty large penguins will be designed by artists and selected by sponsors to appear along the six-mile route. To register interest as an artist visit our Artist page.

Forty baby penguins will be available for adoption by local schools and community groups. To register interest as a school or community group visit or Schools page.

You can follow the great Waddle of Worcester on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The great Waddle of Worcester is supported by Presenting Partners; Crowngate, DRPG, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Ambassadors, Community and Education Partner; Worcester BID and Media Partners; the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.