Last Thursday saw the auctioning of our mob of 26 large wallabies and three of our smaller wallababies and whilst it feels sad to say goodbye, we were absolutely delighted by the funds raised, with the total on the night far exceeding everyone’s expectations.

Anne Mills, Chief Executive of Hospice Isle of Man, paid tribute to all those who helped to support the fun raising art trail.

’On behalf of Hospice Isle of Man I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our wallaby auction,’ said Anne.

’We are all blown away by the generosity shown by the supporters bidding in the room, online and via the telephone.

’The amount raised is testament to both the spectacular artwork produced by our artists who provided us with quality lots to auction, and the incredible services delivered by Hospice staff and volunteers which encouraged our bidders to dig so deeply on the night.

’I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the partners, sponsors, schools, trailmaker volunteers and community groups that made the Wallabies Gone Wild Trail possible.

’It has been a truly wonderful collaboration, one that has been so thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in our community, benefited so many local businesses and one that will continue to impact on people’s lives for many years.’

We are delighted that so many of the wallabies are staying on the island, with some of them going on public display for the community to be able to continue to enjoy.

We have also generously been re-gifted some of the wallabies who will be making their way back to the Hospice building for patients and service users to admire during their time here.

We would like to thank the kind donors who have enabled this to happen.

Whilst our wallabies have found their forever homes, the Wallabies Gone Wild activities are not yet over, with Saturday, October 5, seeing our trailmaker volunteers joining us for a thank you supper at the Salmon Lake Centre and Monday October 7, seeing the returning of the wallababies to our schools and community groups.

by Hospice Isle of Man

www.hospice.org.im

newsdesk@iomnewspapers