Long-awaited Bears of Sheffield trail begins!

Bringing together families and friends, businesses, schools, artists and the community, the Bears of Sheffield trail begins today to support the fundraising drive to build a new Cancer and Leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

160 of the distinctive animals have been installed over the last few days and can now be found in public places across Sheffield.

The trail comprises of 60 Big Bears, standing at 2.1m tall, which are sponsored by local businesses, organisations and families, as well as 100 Little Bears which have been fundraised for and decorated by schools, nurseries and colleges. There is also an extra special Theo Bear sculpture, The Children’s Hospital’s Charity’s mascot.

The trail begins exactly a year later than initially planned and is one of the first major events to be held since the COVID-19 pandemic, as people are welcomed safely back to the city.

Event Organiser Cheryl Davidson explained: “The day is finally here! We are delighted that from today, the Bears of Sheffield are in place for people to get outside, collect the Bears, explore and celebrate our wonderful city, all for a great cause.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to everyone who has got their paws dirty working so hard behind the scenes to bring this exciting trail to the people of Sheffield.”

Andrew Snelling, Chief Executive at Sheffield City Trust said: “We are proud to be supporting the Sheffield Children’s Hospital with this years trail by hosting some of the Bears within our venues including Ponds Forge and iceSheffield.

“Improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Sheffield is at the very heart of what we do and we are pleased to be a part of initiatives like this not only benefit the Sheffield Children’s Hospital but also encourage everyone to be active by getting out and going on a bear hunt!"

Visit www.bearsofsheffield.co.uk and start collecting the Bears on the app to earn Paw Points and redeem special offers along the way. There is also a league table to see which Bear receives the most donations.