Some absolute scum about. Another charity Elephant vandalised. This time in Leigh, a couple have been damaged in Southend before.
From the Echo.
Elephants have been designed and placed around Southend to raise funds for Havens Hospices, who provide free support and care for people living with incurable illnesses in South Essex.
Lollie the elephant was found lying on its side in Leigh Library Gardens this morning.
The artist, David Maguire and sponsor Forrester Hyde has been informed, as well as Leigh Town Council and the Community Policing Team.
The charity believes it is unlikely that the elephant will return to the trial because of the extent of the damage.
On social media, artist David Maguire said: "I'm absolutely crushed to see this this morning. I spent weeks carefully painting her and all of the little details on each ice cream and lolly and it's terrible for it all to be ruined so close to the end of the trail.
"It's so sad that she won't be able to be on display until the end thanks to some mindless individual who clearly has issues if they can't leave charity art sculptures alone."
"I hope those that did get to visit Lollie when she was looking her best, enjoyed meeting her and appreciated the love that went into creating her."
Organisers hope visitors will continue to enjoy the other sculptures as the charity trail comes to an end this week.
There are 45 remaining elephant sculptures and 72 baby elephants located around Southend, Leigh and Shoeburyness.
All the elephants will come together on September 23 and 24 at Saxon Hall for a farewell weekend before being auctioned on September 26.
A spokesperson for Havens Hospices said: “We are aware of the deliberate damage to Lollie at Leigh Library Gardens and are heartbroken that someone has done this to one of our beloved elephants.
“Our artists spend hours creating these masterpieces for everyone to enjoy and to raise vital funds for Havens Hospices, caring for babies, children and adults living with an incurable condition.
