Stampede by the Sea

That this House congratulates all those involved in the hugely successful Stampede by the Sea public art trail across West Dorset, which raised over £180,000 for Weldmar Hospicecare through the auction of more than 50 painted elephant statues; celebrates the creativity of the artists and the generosity of bidders, including the anonymous donor of £25,000 for the elephant Sanctuary; gives particular thanks to West Dorset Leisure Holidays for their generous purchase and donation of Ropey to Bridport Town Council; recognises the council’s plans to tour Ropey around the area to raise further awareness and funds for hospice care; notes the trail’s success in bringing together the communities of Bridport, Lyme Regis, and West Bay; and commends Weldmar Hospicecare for their vital services despite financial pressures and funding reductions.