The Big Waddle event featured children, teachers, and parents dressed in creative, penguin-inspired outfits as they took part in a fun-filled themed waddle around the school grounds and local area. The event aimed to raise vital funds for the community-wide public art trail’s organisers, Havens Hospices, who provide specialist care and support in the local community for people of all ages living with an incurable condition and their families.
Children from the school’s nursery up to Year 2 all took part, waddling a combined effort of almost 5 miles. Thanks to the generosity of families and the community, an incredible total of over £3,600 was raised.
Miss Johnston, a teacher at Hadleigh Infant School, shared how the event came to life: “Myself and our headteacher, Mrs. Fynn, spoke about getting involved with the Waddle-On-Sea event after discussing how we could develop links between our school and the local community. Being able to do this whilst raising money for charity was something we were keen to get involved in. We organised the sponsored Hadleigh Infants and Nursery ‘Big Waddle’ and were blown away by the money we raised and the generosity of our families.”
Children also shared their excitement about taking part in the event, with one saying, “We did the walk for charity, Havens Hospices. They really help people.” Another added, “I loved the waddle and it was the best thing ever and I wish it would never stop.”
The free, family-friendly art trail is set to launch on Friday, 11th July. It will feature over 30 super-sized penguin sculptures, along with smaller penguins designed by artists, and a huddle of small penguin sculptures created by schools and community groups, transforming Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea into an outdoor art gallery.
The Waddle-on-Sea app will be available from the App Store and Google Play from the start of July. To stay up to date with the huddle and to post your ‘penguin poses’ from the trail, visit www.waddleonsea.co.uk or follow us on social media – @waddleonsea on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Published on 16th May 2025
