Name chosen for new addition to St Elizabeth Hospice’s Elmer herd

Following a public competition, the latest addition to St Elizabeth Hospice’s much-loved herd of Elmer elephants has been named.

After lots of suggestions were sent into the competition, staff chose Elizabeth as the winning entry as the name and figurine design encompass the many elements of St Elizabeth Hospice.

The winning entrant was Ceri Pilcher, whose daughter Katie was cared for by the hospice before she passed away aged 27 in 2012.

Ceri said: “I’m thrilled to have chosen the winning name for the hospice elephant! I entered the competition to give my support to the hospice, whose fundraising and vital donations have been hit by the ongoing pandemic.

“The hospice supported our family when Katie sadly died in 2012. She was cared for both in the community and the inpatient unit with kindness, compassion and professionalism.”

From Artiphant and Bee Kind to Elefont and Tigelephant, Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk art trail brought trunk loads of colour to Ipswich, brightening up the lives of many while helping to raise funds for the independent Suffolk charity, St Elizabeth Hospice in the summer of 2019.

Now new addition, Elizabeth, will take residence in the hospice’s garden for all to enjoy. However, before she sets up in her new home Elizabeth will be on display for October half-term – 26^th October to 1^st November – at Christchurch Mansion by Ipswich Borough Council for the public to visit.

Designed and decorated by Sarah Edwards, a nurse at St Elizabeth Hospice’s inpatient unit, Elizabeth depicts the many services and elements of the hospice and the support it provides the local community

From the hospice’s young adult service Zest to its 24-hour phone support line OneCall, as well as its Covid-19 fundraising campaign #HereTogether, they are all featured in the ornate design which was varnished by Suffolk New College automotive repair and finishing team free of charge for the independent Suffolk charity.

St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent Suffolk charity providing free services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life limiting illness. Centered on an individual’s needs, the hospice provides specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice.

Tickets must be booked in advance to attend Christchurch Mansion.To book visit www.cimuseums.org.uk or call 01473 433100.

To find out more about St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 727776

For more information visit the St Elizabeth Hospice website