A much-loved school governor will be honoured with a butterfly-inspired sculpture in a summer public art trail.
Jill Wheeler, who served as a governor for over 21 years at St Peter’s Droitwich C of E Academy, will be remembered through a penguin chick sculpture named 'Flutterhigh' at the Great Waddle of Worcester.
The sculpture, which will begin on Monday, July 22 and end on Sunday, September 15, will join an art trail around the city raising money for St Richard's Hospice.
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Mrs Wheeler had a love for butterflies and was cared for by the hospice before she passed away in May 2023.
Her daughter Nikki said: "Mum loved completing charity sculpture trails around the country with family and friends so sponsoring a miniature penguin painted by the children at St Peter’s in Droitwich feels like the perfect way to honour her memory.
“It’s also a fitting way to say thank you to St Richard’s for the care and compassion they showed Mum in her last few days.
"We’re so very grateful for everything the team did for Mum and for Mum’s niece, Alex, who was also cared for by the hospice.”
The art trail has raised money for a range of organisations in the past, with over £700,000 donate to the hospice after costs in 2018 and 2021.
Caroline Sims, assistant head teacher at the school, said: "Jill was such a special governor to all of us here at St Peter’s and we feel very privileged to paint a sculpture to reflect that.
"Jill’s favourite creature was a butterfly so ‘Flutterhigh’ is covered in beautiful butterflies drawn on by every child and staff member in the school.
"We’re all really looking forward to seeing our tribute on display in Worcester and to bringing the sculpture back to school as its forever home.”
Sara Matthews, business development manager for the hospice, said: "When we heard about Jill’s love of art trails and the role she’d played to inspire young people at St Peter’s in Droitwich, it felt like there was no better tribute to such a special lady who left a big impression on so many."
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