Gloucestershire County Council joins the pride to support Lions at Large art trail

The county council’s Fostering service is sponsoring a lion sculpture which will be positioned outside GL1 Leisure Centre on Bruton Way in Gloucester.

Lions at Large is an initiative of Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity and supports the Big Space Cancer Appeal. By sponsoring a lion, the county council supports vital fundraising efforts for cancer care. The art trail is also an opportunity to reach local families, raise awareness of the urgent need for foster carers, and promote the life-changing impact of providing a safe home for a child.

The art trail is a free event.

Cllr Ben Evans, cabinet member for Children’s Safeguarding and Care said: “This campaign brings together two missions we deeply believe in: giving vulnerable children safe, loving homes and supporting individuals and families facing cancer. It’s about showing how our community can rally behind both causes through creativity, compassion, and action.”

Tewkesbury-based artist Sam Morris, who designed the sculpture said: “This lion is more than art, it’s a roar of hope for the children who need a safe place to grow, and for those of us battling illness every day.”

Tammy Wheatley, Gloucestershire County Council’s Head of Service for Corporate Parenting and Fostering said: “Fostering is an act of repair and resilience. We are here to support children in their growth and celebrate their strengths.”

For more information about Gloucestershire County Council Fostering service and its participation in the Lions at Large Trail please visit: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/fostering/lions-at-large.  

Photo: Karen from GCC's Fostering team with Tammy Wheatley and Sam Morris.