A GIANT giraffe sculpture which once welcomed thousands of visitors to Worcester Foregate Street railway station is being rehomed at a county school.
Fabella the giraffe, which formed part of the Worcester Stands Tall public art trail in 2018, is being adopted by children from Bowbrook House school, in Peopleton, who’ve raised £2,000 for local hospice care in the process.
Fabella, whose design depicts some of Worcester’s great history, was painted by architectural artist Jilly Oxlade-Arnott. Auctioned at the end of the sculpture trail to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice, the giraffe was bought by local gritting and snow clearance business, AA Salt Services Ltd, for family member, Jeannie Young. Mrs Young was one of the founder members of the Worcester-based hospice.
When Mrs Young died in September her family wanted Fabella to find a good home and one where she could also help make a difference for St Richard’s patients and families once again.
Nikki Rogers, Managing Director of AA Salt Services Ltd, said: “With Mum having played such a part in the St Richard’s story it was wonderful to have secured a giraffe sculpture to live in her garden in Tibberton. Fabella became a bit of a local landmark in the village
“We wanted Fabella to find a loving new home and also do something to support the hospice in Mum’s memory. When Bowbrook House said they’d love a companion for their giraffe calf, and set about fundraising, we knew we’d found the perfect fit!
“Of course, the final challenge was transporting a huge giraffe from Mum’s garden to the school and here we must thank Warren’s Removals who gave their time for free, as kind supporters of St Richard’s work locally.”
Speaking about the newest member of the school family, Mr Allen, Headmaster at Bowbrook House, said: “When we heard that Fabella was looking for a new home we organised a Christmas raffle to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have raised £2,000 to help the hospice care for local patients and their families.
Visit www.worcestersbigparade.co.uk for more on this summer’s planned spectacular.
