Local artist Charlie Stafford first to ppppick up her penguin sculpture

March 20, 2025

Local young artist Charlie Stafford was one of the first to collect her penguin and begin bringing it to life for this summer's spectacular art trail, Waddle-on-Sea.

Charlie Stafford, 24, from Ashingdon, is a professional artist who has worked in the creative industry for over eight years, often working with universities on lectures about the creative industry and creating bespoke commissions for local and international businesses.

Waddle-on-Sea will not be Charlie’s first art trail supporting Havens Hospices. In 2023, Charlie designed and created the inspiring elephant ‘This is what HOPE looks like’ for the Herd In The City art trail which was sponsored by Essex & Suffolk Water.

As an artist, Charlie wants her artwork to convey a feeling of hope and emotion that connects the viewer to the artwork. This inspiration has driven the creation of her penguin design which is tightly under wraps until the trail launches in July.

Talking of her design, Charlie said, “The design for this penguin reflects the natural beauty and powerful energy of Southend-on-Sea’s landscape. This sculpture stands as a tribute to the spirit of Southend-on-Sea and the transformative impact of hospice care in our community.”

Each penguin has been sponsored by a local company. Charlie's penguin was picked by Able Group, Waddle-on-Sea Official Event Partner. Joe Horton, Managing Director of Able Group said, "We are absolutely delighted to be working with Havens Hospices and sponsoring Waddle-on-Sea. With our business headquarters based in Leigh-on-Sea and as a long-time supporter of the charity, we couldn’t refuse such a fantastic opportunity to help raise money for a vital charity in our local area. The previous trails have been a huge success and inspiration in bringing communities together and showcasing amazing talent and we are very excited to be part of this incredible event.”

The Waddle-on-Sea trail is a fun, free and accessible event taking place in the city of Southend-on-Sea, attracting thousands of people of all ages for an ‘ice’ day out. The penguins will be dotted around the city between 11th July to 3rd September, before being auctioned off to help raise thousands of pounds for the free, specialist hospice care Havens Hospices provides for local adults, children, and their families.

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