Southend Waddle-on-Sea penguin auction raises £205,000

Held on Thursday at The Boatyard in Leigh, the event marked the end of the successful summer event, which saw more than 100 sculptures decorated by artists and displayed around Southend.

Charity - Artist and from IpecoSarah Nash, Chrissie Nichols from Atlantic Pacific, Charlie Langhorn from Wild in Art(Image: Sean Buckley and Havens Hospices)

As Waddle-on-Sea’s official media partner, the Echo also had a sponsored penguin up for auction, fetching a whopping £6,400.

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Eye-catching - Home Sweet Home was snapped up for £9,000(Image: Sean Buckley and Havens Hospices)

Amy Dearing, director of fundraising and marketing at Havens Hospices, said: “It was so lovely to see familiar faces and a few new ones joining us for this special event.

Auction - Guests placed bids on the artist-designed penguins(Image: Sean Buckley and Havens Hospices)

“Waddle-on-Sea has been a perfect example of what can be achieved when a community comes together - from the incredible artists, schools and groups who took part, visitors who explore the trail, to the partners and sponsors who believed in this project.

“Their support has turned an idea into a reality, taking art out of galleries and onto our streets for everyone to enjoy.

Excitement - The auction room was packed with guests(Image: Sean Buckley and Havens Hospices)

“Waddle-on-Sea helped bring families together, giving people reasons to explore and smile, to feel proud of Southend and to celebrate creativity - something that feels especially important right now.”

The auction was hosted by Clive Emson Auctioneers and Stacey’s Auctioneers and Valuers, both of which donated their time and expertise to create an entertaining evening for the more than 100 guests who took part.

Fun - Paul Bridgeman from Clive Emson Auctioneers(Image: Sean Buckley and Havens Hospices)

The total amount raised throughout Thursday’s auction was £205,000.

While the Echo’s own penguin sold for £6,400, the top-selling sculpture of the evening was Snowflake, a small, bejewelled penguin created by Sarah Nash, which went for a huge £11,000.

Penguins - Gone Fishing went for £6,000(Image: Sean Buckley and Havens Hospices)

Amy continued: “The auction wasn’t just about finding forever homes for our penguins.

“The money raised will fund specialist, personalised care that only Havens Hospices can offer to families facing the toughest times of their lives.

Support - Care Teams from both Fair Havens and Little Havens in attendance to say thank you to bidders(Image: Sean Buckley and Havens Hospices)

“The generosity throughout the whole trail has a longer-lasting and deeply meaningful impact on our community for years to come.”

The funds raised on Thursday will go directly towards the independent charity, which plays a vital role in south Essex’s healthcare system.