The trail, organised by St Giles Hospice, will feature over 30 life-sized elephant sculptures, each individually designed by local artists and community groups.

The aim of the trail is to raise awareness and funds for St Giles Hospice, a local charity that provides specialist care for local people, and their loved ones, living with a terminal illness.

Emma Yates, associate director of income generation at St Giles Hospice, said: “We are delighted to announce that Shire Leasing PLC has joined us as a corporate sponsor for our March of the Elephants Trail.

“We’re urging local businesses to get involved with this unique community project by sponsoring one of our 60 elephant sculptures, which will be designed and painted by local and national artists. We look forward to working with the team at Shire Leasing to make the trail a huge success and a memorable experience for everyone.”

Shire Leasing will have its own elephant sculpture on display during the trail. The company, which is based in Tamworth and employs 170 people, is committed to supporting local charities and communities.

Sponsoring the Trail will also present opportunities for their employees to utilise a newly introduced volunteering programme, offering employees two paid working days throughout the year to give their support to their selected eligible charity/good cause.

Volunteers will be needed to help with the organisation and logistics of the Trail, participation in fundraising activities, maintenance of the art sculptures and more.

Debra Amos, head of HR at Shire Leasing, said: “At Shire, we are strong believers in supporting local charities such as St Giles Hospice.

“So becoming a sponsor of the March of the Elephants trail is a unique way for us to support this amazing cause as well as the wider community. The majority of our team are employed from Tamworth or surrounding areas, so joining the Herd means our employees can proudly call one of these magnificent pieces of art their own, as they enjoy the trail with friends and family at one of the most exciting events to come to town.”

“Next summer, the trail will drive increased visitors and footfall to Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield. As a company that delivers finance solutions to support UK SMEs with growth plans, we’re also looking forward to the positive effect it will bring to our local businesses too. We’re glad to be a part of the Herd and cannot wait to see the elephants and trail in action.”

To find out more about St Giles Hospice and the March of the Elephants trail, visit their website here. 

Pictured: A Barbie elephant is among those commissioned for the trail