Heath and life insurer, Vitality, has been announced as the official Wellness Partner for The Great Tail Trail, which bursts into life across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) next spring.
Forty-five brightly-coloured mermaid tail sculptures will be displayed in public areas across the towns for 8 weeks from 5 April 2025, creating a family-friendly walking trail and raising vital funds and awareness for Dorset’s local children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.
Judy Parfitt, Chief People Officer for Vitality, said, “As one of the biggest employers in the region, we are thrilled to be able to partner with an event that means so much to the local community, and our employees.
“It will create a great opportunity for people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to connect with friends, family and their community, enabling them to epxerience something new, while at the same time getting active for a good cause.”
“We’re absolutely delighted that Vitality has joined us as The Great Tail Trail’s Wellness Partner,” explains Laura Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager for Julia’s House. “Vitality is the perfect business to help us share the enormous health benefits of the trail. We hope that everyone will enjoy getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine to explore the beautiful BCP region with family and friends, whether they choose to walk, run or even cycle as they search for the sculptures. It’s a mer-mazing way to give your mental and physical health a boost!”
Vitality will also sponsor the eye-catching ‘Flipping Pink’ mermaid tail created by local contemporary artist, Stuart Semple. In a nod to Vitality’s own vibrant branding, this tail has been painted in Stuart’s own ‘pinkest pink in the world’ and encrusted with a kilo of diamond dust. The shimmering sculpture promises to be an eye-catching feature on the trail.
Laura adds, “We have just 10 giant mermaid tails left to sponsor, so local businesses need to swim up fast if they want to be part of the biggest event in BCP next year!”
Buy your favourite design
The full range of sculpture designs will be kept under wraps until next spring when The Great Tail Trail goes live. And everyone will have the chance to own one of the special tails as once the trail is over all of the unique sculptures will be auctioned at the Italian Villa, Compton Acres on 20 June, with all funds going to support the vital care Julia’s House provides for local families.
Julia’s House cares for the most seriously ill children in the county, many of whom need 24-hour support for their complex and often rare medical conditions. The charity receives just eight per cent funding from the Government and relies on public support and donations to provide this critical care.
The Great Tail Trail will raise much-needed funds to help ensure Julia’s House can continue to be there for the children and families across Dorset who need its support.
Discover more about The Great Tail Trail at www.greattailtrail.co.uk