This week we received this message from the organisers of the Bears of Sheffield Sculpture Trail:
We're sad to announce that the Bears of Sheffield sculpture trail is postponed until Summer 2021.
The Children’s Hospital Charity are determined to continue to support the national effort to protect the NHS, save lives and slow the spread of the coronavirus in line with the latest UK government guidance.
It is therefore with a heavy heart that we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the Bears of Sheffield sculpture trail until the summer of 2021.
Our Bears of Sheffield trail was always intended to be open to all and our aim still is for it to unite businesses, communities, artists and schools from throughout the city and across the country to support Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
Such a lot of work and cost has already gone into preparing the trail, that we owe it to everyone who has backed this project with such enthusiasm to make it the best it can possibly be - that can only happen when everyone can enjoy the trail safely.
The Bears of Sheffield will showcase both big and little bear sculptures in both indoor and outdoor locations. The enjoyment and health and safety of everyone taking part has always been our top priority. With social distancing likely to continue for now as an essential requirement in the fight against Covid-19, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the project.
The Children’s Hospital Charity looks forward to bringing the Bears of Sheffield to the city in summer 2021 and we will share the new trail date in due course.
We are immensely proud of our NHS heroes who are currently going above and beyond the call of duty to care for and protect some of the most vulnerable members of our region. Every day of this crisis is bringing new challenges and as you read this, staff at Sheffield Children’s Hospital continue to work day and night to support the public to help care for some of those most at risk during this crisis, including children, young patients and those with underlying health conditions.
Like many charities most of our planned events have been cancelled over the coming weeks and months. They were all due to raise vital funds for Sheffield Children’s. The need for these funds hasn’t gone away it is still there – the hospital is still caring from some of the most poorly children in the country, even while the Covid-19 crisis continues.
We still need your support to help Sheffield Children’s continue its vital work in paediatric care, giving children the best chance to fulfil their potential. The charity remains open, working from home to support the hospital to ensure there is no long-term impact once the crisis is over.
If you can help, then please make a donation or support by taking part in The Big Bear Shuffle event this weekend which can be found on the Bears of Sheffield page. How ever you are able to support will make a real difference to our patients now and in the future.
Thank you for your support
The Charity Team x
So, we will await the opportunity to work with the artists to bring your wonderful designs to life. Rainbow colours were definitely a favourite design right across school, how apt and of the time the design will be. Also, after the trail has finished, we will be able to bring the Bear home to its rightful place within our new school grounds. It will be worth the wait.