Wasdell Group is latest Swindogs sponsor

The Big Dog Art Trail has been prescribed a new sponsor in the shape of pharmaceutical specialists Wasdell Group.

The Wasdell Group is one of the largest independent hi-tech pharmaceutical and healthcare manufacturing and research partners in Europe, with its headquarters in Swindon at the Blagrove Industrial Estate.

Employing around 850 people in the town, it has become the latest company to support the UK’s first-ever balloon dog art trail.

The trail, which will run from 15 July to 3 September, will feature 30 one-of-a-kind Swindog sculptures.

The sculpture sponsored by Wasdell Group will be painted by world-renowned artist and pop art creation Pandemonia.

In keeping with the company, the design will have a series of pills painted across it to reflect the shape of the different parts of the sculpture’s body.

It will be on display during the trail at the Old Town Library and Arts Centre, before heading off to its forever home, after being adopted at a special auction event to raise money for Julia’s House children’s hospice.

Martin Tedham, CEO of Wasdell Group, said: “Wasdell is delighted to support The Big Dog Art Trail and Julia’s House. 

“Julia’s House is a wonderful charity that supports children and their families in the most difficult circumstances, and as a family firm we are privileged to have the opportunity to do our bit towards that.

“I love the idea of the Swindogs trail, where families in Swindon and beyond will be able to spend hours following the trail this summer.

“It costs nothing, and means people can find out more about this wonderful town while looking for the amazing Swindogs.

“At Wasdell we’re all very excited to see how ours is going to turn out, and I know many of my colleagues can’t wait to take their friends and families out on the trail this summer. Well done to Julia’s House for a brilliant project that we can all take part in and enjoy.”

With Wasdell on board, the exhibition organisers say opportunities are running low to sponsor one of the remaining Swindogs, with just three sculptures remaining.

The sponsorship means that more money raised during the trail will go straight to Julia’s House and provide a lifeline of care for the most seriously ill children and their families across Wiltshire and Dorset.

Project Manager of The Big Dog Art Trail, Chris Hyde, added: “We are grateful to Wasdell Group for joining the pack and being another vital sponsor of the trail.

“Their support is crucial to the success of the trail this summer and we are delighted to be able to champion another great, family-owned business that does so much for Swindon.

“We are close to securing all of the sponsors needed, so urge any businesses that aren’t already involved to get in contact and not miss out on the opportunity of supporting one of the biggest community events to happen in Swindon this summer.”

Details of how to sponsor a Swindog can be found at www.bigdogarttrail.co.uk/sponsors