Why it matters: The Hop to it! Suffolk 2025 trail represents the hospice's biggest fundraising art event, supporting care for over 4,000 people with life-limiting illnesses across Suffolk.
The big picture: This marks the first time the hospice has extended its popular art trails beyond Ipswich, with East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council backing the expansion to Beccles, Felixstowe, Lowestoft and Woodbridge.
By the numbers: The trail will feature a total of 85 hare sculptures, comprising 33 large, decorated pieces in Ipswich and 52 mixed large and small sculptures across the satellite locations. The hospice requires £12 million annually to deliver its services, with 70 per cent funded through community support.
The details: Created in partnership with Wild in Art, each sculpture features unique designs by talented artists. The trail launches on Suffolk Day (June 21) and runs until August 29, culminating in an auction where sculptures will be sold to raise funds.
What they're saying: Celia Joseph, Community & Partnerships Fundraising Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "It is set to be a summer of colour and creativity as our hares hop to towns across Suffolk - as part of the region's biggest, free art event!"
What's next: The hospice will announce auction dates in the coming months. A companion cycling event, Hop on it!, offers 50 or 70-mile routes on June 29, passing many trail sculptures.
How to get involved: Volunteer opportunities are available through the hospice website, with full trail details at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/hoptoitsuffolk/.
The bottom line: This expanded art trail builds on past success while extending the hospice's reach across Suffolk, combining community engagement with vital fundraising for end-of-life care.
