Waddle-on-Sea – created by Havens Hospices and Wild in Art – features 31 large penguin sculptures and 72 baby sculptures dotted throughout the city, including Leigh-on-Sea, until Wednesday 3 September.  

The trail of over 100 penguin sculptures has not only brought joy to residents and visitors across Southend and Leigh-on-Sea, but has also inspired businesses to take on their own team challenges and ice-tastic days out in support of local hospice care. 

Highways and infrastructure company Marlborough Highways – proud sponsors of the penguin ‘Wonder’- laced up their walking boots for a sponsored ‘Penguin Trek’ on Friday 19th July. Colleagues walked across Southend, visiting many of the Waddle-on-Sea sculptures along the way.  Sponsorship from colleagues, businesses, family and friends has raised over £1,000 for Havens Hospices, helping to fund the charity’s specialist care and support for children, young people and adults living with complex or incurable conditions. 

Marlborough Highways’ Managing Director, Matthew Revell, added: “It’s a real privilege to support Waddle on Sea as a sponsor. The statues this year are incredible, and they will certainly bring interest to both Southend and the important work Havens Hospices carry out in the local community every day. We’re committed to bringing positive change to the area, and this event is just another way we’re making good on that promise.” 

Other businesses have also embraced the trail as an opportunity to step out of the office and into the community. 

Rickard Luckin, Learning & Community Programme Partner for the trail, enjoyed an outing as a team following the trail and spotting the unique designs across Southend – including the baby sculpture they are proud to sponsor, in their role as Learning & Community Programme Partner. 

Meanwhile, creative agency 6rs – Waddle-on-Sea Creative Partner – spent an afternoon out in Leigh-on-Sea with colleagues and their families, taking in the sculptures and celebrating their involvement in the design and delivery of the trail’s brand and materials. 

Havens Hospices is now encouraging other workplaces, community groups and clubs to get involved by taking on a sponsored walk or run around the trail. 

Whether it’s a lunchtime stroll or a weekend team trek, every step taken can help raise vital funds to support the charity’s care across Essex. 

Trail-goers can follow the trail by purchasing a map from any Havens Hospices charity shop (whilst stocks last), and other venues, including the Pier Information Centre, The Forum, Leigh-on-Sea Library and Waddle-on-Sea HQs at The Royals Shopping Centre and 141 Leigh Road. There is also a ‘Waddle-on-Sea’ app, available to download from the App Store or Google Play. 

For further information about the trail, visit www.waddleonsea.co.uk or search @waddleonsea on Instagram and Facebook. 

Published on 24th July 2025