Penguin sculpture honours six-year-old crash victim at Worcester's public art trail

A poignant tribute to a six-year-old pupil, tragically killed in a car crash, will this summer be part of a public art trail in Worcester.

The Waddle of Worcester event features a sculpture of a penguin chick named 'Little Leo', honouring the life of Leo Painter, a student at Abigail’s Place School.

The school staff, alongside the students, have decorated 'Little Leo' with a design that replicates the happiness that Leo brought to them all.

Therapeutic Lead at Abigail’s Place, Sally Yafai said: "Leo was our sunshine.

"He brought joy and light into the hearts of everyone he met with a mischievous sparkle in his eye."

She added: "Painted in bright, warming colours, our Little Leo sculpture also embodies the spirit of Abigail's Place - togetherness, unconditional love and the wisdom that the sun is always shining even on the saddest, grey day."

Pyramid Care Fostering Services have sponsored the sculpture, which is one of 80 set to arrive in the city on July 22 before leaving on September 15.

Abigails Place student, Xander, paints their penguin tribute to their late friend   (Image: St Richard's Hospice)

Each sculpture is part of the Wild in Art event run by St Richard’s Hospice, which previously arranged giraffe and elephant trails in 2018 and 2021.

Combined, these trails raised more than £700,000 for the hospice post costs.

Harri Yafai, Therapeutic Play Facilitator at Abigail's Place, helps students paint the school's sculpture  (Image: St Richard's Hospice)

St Richard's business development manager, Sara Matthews said: "Leo’s tragic death, alongside the driver and travel assistant, brought sadness to many across the county but particularly to those who knew and loved them most.

"Painting a sculpture in memory of their friend, Leo, and remembering all the love and laughter he brought with him is an important part of the school’s grief journey.

"At the end of the trail their penguin will return to them as its forever home and a lasting tribute to a lovely little boy."

You can follow the waddle on social media, with profiles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

If you would like to play a part you can contact Sara Matthews on 01905 763963, or email smatthews@strichards.org.uk.