Julia's House Hospice Children Put Their Paw Print On Trail

Julia’s House hospice children leave their paw print on the trail

Date published: 23 June 2023

Children at Julia’s House children’s hospice have put their paw print firmly on The Big Dog Art Trail with the creation of their own Swindog.

Swindon artist Hannah Dosanjh has been working with the nurses, carers and children at Julia’s House hospice in Devizes in the weeks building up to the start of the trail.

The Swindog, which has been named Patches – Julia’s Hound, is covered in a brightly-coloured, patchwork coat with each individual panel having a design that has been painted on by the children and nurses, bringing the hospice family firmly to the trail.

The sculpture is sponsored by CG Utilities and will feature at Pinetrees Community Centre during the trail which runs from July 15 to September 3.

“It’s been so heart-warming to see all the children that we care for getting involved in The Big Dog Art Trail and applying their own ideas and creativity to Patches –Julia’s Hound. We were thrilled to have Hannah’s expert guidance in developing our final Swindog design and so grateful for all her support.

“We’re hopeful that our Swindog and the wider trail will help to raise awareness and vital funds for the lifeline of care that Julia’s House provides to local families who desperately need our help.”

Alice Chalmers, Julia’s House Public Fundraising Manager

This week marks national Children’s Hospice Week, from 19th to 25th June. Julia’s House is your local children’s hospice charity, looking after the most seriously ill children in Wiltshire and Dorset.

These children need 24-hour care for their complex and often rare medical conditions.  A dedicated team of nurses and carers are a lifeline of support, providing essential respite breaks to give exhausted families time out from round-the-clock care, helping to prevent them from reaching breaking point.

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One of the Julia's House hospice children painting a Swindog

“The children and nurses have come along and brought their bright ideas and applied them to the patches.

“Some have included what makes them happy, so we have footballs and listening to music, some have written inspirational quotes and loads have been doing hand prints and footprints.

“The children have really enjoyed it. We’ve made it as accessible as possible and it has been quite sensory for them.

“This is really what the whole trail is all about. We want people to come and see it and realise that all the funds and awareness being raised is for Julia’s House, here in Devizes, and the work that they do in Wiltshire.

“We have children who are really going to see the benefits of this amazing trail.”

Hannah Dosanjh, Swindon artist

All money raised during the trail from the sales of maps and merchandise, as well as at the auction at the end of the trail when all sculptures will be sold, go to Julia’s House.

Merchandise will be available to buy from STEAM Museum and Lydiard House museum during their opening hours once the trail starts on Saturday, July 15.

Maps will be available to buy for a small donation from the following locations…

  • West Swindon Library
  • Central Swindon Library
  • The McArthur Glenn Designer Outlet
  • STEAM Museum
  • Pinetrees Community Centre
  • North Swindon Library
  • Lydiard Park Café

To find out more about the trail and start planning your visit, see our guide to the trail HERE.

You are one click from not only giving money, but giving hope. Your donation will help open up a whole new world of support and friendship for a family shattered by the news their child has a life-shortening condition.

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