‘Herd under the Hammer’ raises more than £240,000 for Thames Hospice

Thames Hospice is celebrating today after its much-anticipated Herd under the Hammer charity auction raised more than £240,000 in one unforgettable evening, helping fund vital hospice care for people and families across East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.

More than 130 guests gathered at De Vere Beaumont Estate and a further 140 bidders joined online for a spectacular evening of art, generosity and celebration, as the Trunks across the Thames elephants found their forever homes.

The auction, led by Harry Ballin of Windsor Auctions on Thursday 15 October, brought together supporters, sponsors, artists, partners and Hospice colleagues for a special evening marking the culmination of the Trunks across the Thames public art trail.

Thames Hospice Chief Executive Dr Rachael de Caux welcomed everyone, and Hospice Ambassador Sandra Jeffs shared the moving story of her son Michael, who was cared for by the Hospice team. Sandra's heartfelt words were a powerful reminder of the difference that compassionate hospice care makes to families when they need it most.

Among the evening's highlights were McLaren’s mini elephant Elenorris, signed by Lando Norris, which sold for £20,000, and the trail’s most visited sculpture, Stomp to Attention, which sold for £12,000. An original watercolour by acclaimed author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy was also a highlight of the auction.

The generosity continued with a standing ovation for nurses, Sara and Emma, who spoke from the heart about why every pound raised from the auction will help ensure local people and their families can continue to access specialist care and support when they need it.

Dr Rachael de Caux, CEO of Thames Hospice, said:

“What an incredible evening. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate the extraordinary generosity that has made this project possible. Raising more than £240,000 at the auction alone is an amazing achievement, and we are so grateful to everyone who has played a part. It was a truly memorable evening, and we cannot wait to share the final fundraising total for Trunks across the Thames.”

Launched in July in partnership with Wild in Art, Trunks across the Thames transformed Slough, Windsor, Eton and Maidenhead into an outdoor gallery, with a colourful herd of large and miniature elephant sculptures created by professional artists, schools and community groups. Over nine weeks, the free trail encouraged thousands of people to explore their local area, discover the sculptures and connect with Thames Hospice.

While the elephants are now heading to their forever homes, the impact of Trunks across the Thames will continue long after the trail has ended.

The final total raised by Trunks across the Thames will be announced soon – stay tuned!