News / Gromit Unleashed 3
Former Children’s Hospital patient first to preview Gromit sculpture at neighbourhood
Gromit Unleashed 3 trail is well and truly underway bringing Gromiteers to action while raising vital funds for the Grand Appeal.
Brabazon at former Filton Airfield, has unveiled its very own Gromit sculpture, ‘The Birds’, as part of the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail.
Designed by local artist Hannah Bone and featuring over 50 beautifully illustrated birds, the sculpture was first previewed by four-year-old resident Leon, a former Bristol Royal Hospital for Children patient who spent a month in neonatal intensive care in 2020.
‘The Birds’ at Brabazon was first previewed by Leon, a former patient at Bristol Children’s Hospital – photo: Brabazon
Leon and his mum Harriet, who now live at Brabazon, have a personal connection to the cause. In 2023, Harriet completed a 15,000-foot tandem skydive, raising £500 for The Grand Appeal as a token of appreciation for the care her son received. The family is thrilled that their community is now supporting the same charity.
Harriet, Leon’s mum, completed a 15,000-foot tandem skydive, raising £500 for The Grand Appeal – photo: Grand Appeal
Leon’s mum, Harriet, said: “Leon is so excited about a Gromit Unleashed sculpture coming to Brabazon – and to have one almost on our actual doorstep.
“Having experienced such amazing care at Bristol Children’s Hospital, it’s also good to know that Brabazon is raising money for The Grand Appeal, which is such a special cause.
“In 2023, I did a tandem skydive at 15,000 feet, raising £500 for The Grand Appeal. It was one minute of free-falling – terrifying! But I’d definitely do it all over again!”
“Having experienced such amazing care at Bristol Children’s Hospital, it’s also good to know that Brabazon is raising money for The Grand Appeal, which is such a special cause,” said Harriet
Local artist Hannah Bone spent around 160 hours painstakingly painting ‘The Birds’ sculpture, which features more than 50 birds, including 28 in vibrant colours.
Hannah said: “I’m really inspired by wildlife – birds are my favourite – so this was a dream design to work on. My favourite is the magpie feeding a worm to its chicks on the side of Gromit’s face. I also love the peacock on his back – all of those feathers were worth the effort in the end!”
Gromit Unleashed raises funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital through a combination of engaging public art trails, merchandise sales, digital interaction, raffles and auctions, and community participation, including school activities and contactless donations.
Helen Haskell, head of fundraising – corporate at The Grand Appeal, said: “Leon’s story is a powerful reminder of why our work matters. We’re thrilled that he and the Brabazon community are now part of Gromit Unleashed 3.
“Every sculpture helps raise vital funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital. We’re so grateful to Brabazon for their support. Together, we’re making a real difference to young lives.”
Jon McDiarmid, director at YTL Developments, added: “We’re proud to have supported this amazing cause since 2018. Back then, we sponsored ‘Pickles McPrickles’ and later stored the sculptures at the historic Brabazon Hangars before they each found their forever homes.
“Today, we’re thrilled to introduce ‘The Birds’, and we can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors to come and see it – it’s sure to bring smiles all around.”
‘The Birds’ sculpture has become a popular stop in north Bristol – photo: Brabazon
‘The Birds’ joins other sculptures in North Bristol – at Aerospace Bristol, The Mall and West Country Water Park – helping raise vital funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital and bringing joy to local communities.
Main photo: Brabazon
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
