The large penguin, dressed head-to-flipper in the famous Southend United strip, is proudly sponsored by BTMK Solicitors, who are also one of the event partners for Waddle-on-Sea and partners of the local football team.

Buddy swapped his seaside training ground for a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, complete with pitch-side photos and a chance to practise his ‘magic kick’ before taking centre stage at the top of Southend-on-Sea’s High Street in the town’s penguin parade.

Southend United has supported Havens Hospices through a range of community initiatives – from visiting the hospice to meet the people it cares for, to playing a key role in Play on the Pitch, which raised over £47,000 for the charity this year.

During the visit, Kevin Maher, Head Coach of Southend United Football Club, spoke about the importance of this partnership and the impact it has for both the club and the charity.

“We’ve started to do a lot around the community within the football club. One of those is working closely with Havens Hospices on a number of great initiatives.

“Play on the Pitch brings companies together in the community, all in one place at Southend Football Club for a great day. It brings in support for Havens Hospices, and we’re grateful to everyone who plays their part. With the club’s current position and the number of fans we get, it’s a great opportunity for local businesses and charities like Havens Hospices that do outstanding work.

“At Christmas, we take the team down to visit, and the players and staff provide support and presents for children and families. It’s brilliant for everyone to connect with the community and see what goes on there, and meet the outstanding people working for the charity.

“We’re pleased to see that the BTMK-sponsored penguin, ‘Buddy The Magic Kicker’, is dressed in the Southend strip. Waddle-on-Sea brings awareness to the work Havens Hospices does, and we hope that lots of people show an interest in ‘Buddy’ when he goes up for auction in September.”

Vanessa Harvey, Project Manager for Waddle-on-Sea at Havens Hospices, said, “Buddy’s visit to Roots Hall really set the tone for the trail. It’s exactly the kind of fun, unexpected moment that gets people talking. We’re so grateful to BTMK, Southend United and everyone taking part. Every penguin spotted helps raise awareness and vital funds so we can continue providing specialist hospice care to local babies, children, young people and adults.”

Codey Gill, Head of Marketing and Business at BTMK, added, “We are thrilled to sponsor Buddy the Magic Kicker and support the Waddle-on-Sea art trail. This initiative not only brings joy and excitement to our community but also raises vital funds for Havens Hospices. Seeing Buddy at Roots Hall was a fantastic moment, and we are proud to be part of such a meaningful event that highlights the incredible work done by Havens Hospices. We hope everyone enjoys the trail and joins us in supporting this wonderful cause.”

There are only a couple of days left to see the penguins in the wild before they waddle off on Wednesday 3rd September, ahead of the Farewell Weekend and auction to raise funds for Havens Hospices.

Trail-goers can join in on the fun by purchasing a map from any Havens Hospices charity shop (while stocks last), or from other locations including the Pier Information Centre, The Forum, Leigh-on-Sea Library, and the Waddle-on-Sea HQs at The Royals Shopping Centre and 141 Leigh Road. The trail can also be followed using the free Waddle-on-Sea app, available on the App Store and Google Play.

For more information, visit www.waddleonsea.co.uk or follow @waddleonsea on Instagram and Facebook.

Published on 2nd September 2025