Havens Hospices is celebrating the remarkable success of Waddle-on-Sea, which has raised over £580,000 for local hospice care.

The incredible total was raised thanks to the thousands of people who explored the trail, bought raffle tickets and merchandise, made donations, attended its farewell event, and took part in the auction to bid for their favourite sculptures – all helping to support local hospice care.

The colourful Waddle-on-Sea art trail, which brought fun and creativity to the streets of Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea this summer, has matched the charity’s previous trail, Herd In The City. This incredible achievement highlights the generosity and enthusiasm of the local community in supporting the charity.

Havens Hospices provides specialist care and support for babies, children, young people and adults living with complex or incurable conditions throughout Essex. Every penny raised from Waddle-on-Sea is helping the charity continue providing this care, completely free of charge, to local families.

Vanessa Harvey, Project Manager for Havens Hospices, says, “We’re absolutely thrilled with the success of Waddle-on-Sea. The response from the community has been incredible, from artists, schools, groups, sponsors and partners to everyone who visited the trail, bought merchandise, or joined us at the auction.

“Every penguin has played its part in helping us provide specialist hospice care for local families who rely on our support.”

Havens Hospices would like to thank its partners, sponsors, artists, schools, groups and everyone who took part in Waddle-on-Sea for making the trail such a success.

Time is running out to share your thoughts on Waddle-on-Sea. Havens Hospices is making a final call to trail-goers to share their thoughts on the art trail. The feedback will help the local charity understand the impact of Waddle-on-Sea and improve future events. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad 11. Terms and conditions apply.

Take part in the evaluation today at www.havenshospices.org.uk/evaluation.

Published on 15th October 2025