A little girl with a complex heart condition is one of hundreds of North East youngsters set to benefit when the Great North Snowdogs break loose this autumn.
For 10 weeks starting on September 19, 60 large and 105 mini sculptures based on the story of The Snowman and The Snowdog by Raymond Briggs will form the largest public art trail of its kind to be held in the region.
Individually decorated by artists and celebrities, the Snowdogs will take to the streets, parks and open spaces across Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland in a project to raise much-needed cash for St Oswald’s Hospice’s Children and Young Adult’s Service.
Keira Moore, from Whiteleas, South Tyneside, is among the children who currently benefit from the specialist care offered at the Newcastle hospice. Now aged six, she has been a regular visitor to St Oswald’s since she was 18-months-old due to her condition, which makes her tire easily and requires specialist care.
Keira and her family are reliant on the Children and Young Adults Service which provides respite for children with incurable conditions. Just like the story of The Snowman and the Snowdog, it aims to create magical moments and memories for the families that use it.
The Great North Snowdogs trail will be supported by a map, dedicated app and website which will lead visitors from popular tourist destinations to lesser-known parts of the region along a route covered by the Metro system and other public transport.
At the same time, a separate trail of small Snowdogs created by local school children and community groups will be exhibited to showcase the talent of young people in the North East.
When the trail closes on November 29, the dogs will be auctioned to raise funds for the hospice.
For further information visit www.greatnorthsnowdogs.co.uk or call 0191 285 0063.