Simba (Withdrawn)
Sponsor: Alexander Devine Hospice • Artist: Maria Meerstadt
About the lion PLEASE NOTE: Simba will not be sold at the charity auction as he is being donated to the wonderful Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, where he is looking forward to becoming a much-loved mascot for many years to come. The lovely Simba cub features many elements symbolising the service and Alexander, the wonderful little boy who inspired the charity. An image of the hospice building takes centre stage on the body of the cub, along with elements of their stunning Legoland Sensory Garden. The Alexander Devine signature dolphin is on the hind legs of the cub, and each paw features the grass and wildflowers which cover the site and symbolise the grass roots and organic growth of the charity. Poppies are entwined in the wildflowers, which are synonymous with remembrance and in memory of the children that the hopsice has supported who have sadly passed away. The Alexander Devine heart will form Simba’s chest, and his head and tail will be realistic of Simba from Disney’s Lion King. Alexander and his family enjoyed many trips to see the Lion King in London, and it was his favourite musical’
About the sponsor Gold Event Sponsor LEGOLAND Windsor Resort kindly sponsored a lion cub on behalf of Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, the award-winning charity that provides essential support to families of children with life-limiting and life threatening conditions across Berkshire and in the surrounding communities. "Our children’s hospice service means very different things for each child and their family and as such our care is very personal. Whatever and wherever the need, we are dedicated to bringing comfort and care to these families. Our services include: respite care, specialist play, symptom management, family support, end of life care and bereavement support. Care is delivered either at home, in hospital, in schools or within our very own children’s hospice, which was opened in Summer 2018. Designed to complement the community service, the hospice has state-of-the-art facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, music room, games room, family accommodation and bereavement suite. We currently support around 120 children and their families, but we are committed to growing our service and reaching out to every child and their family that needs us. In Berkshire alone we know that there are over 600 children with life-limiting conditions."
About the artist Maria’s work is influenced by the world around her. She believes we live in a universe full of wonderful colours, shapes and humour, all waiting for her paint brush to capture it. This world we live in is never short of resources – so she never suffers from the dreaded artist block. Maria’s main inspiration comes from Scotland and the British coast line. Originally from the Channel Islands, the sea is part of her roots, but Scotland provides magnificent scenery, with colours you never see anywhere else in the world, and the animals, from the magnificent deer to the sheep with their comical black faces. She is a full-time professional artist, working in all mediums, but mainly oils. To see photos of Simba's transformation from blank white sculpture to fully decorated cub see the Simba page on Maria's website at https://www.mariameerstadt.com/simbas-page.html
Where? Entrance to Royal Windsor Shopping, near LEGOLAND's Legolas lion and by the Eat Cafe, 19 - 20 Windsor Royal Station, Windsor SL4 1PJ. Viewing hours 0730-1800. Sat 0800-1800. Sun 0830-1830. A 2 minute walk from Windsor & Eton Central Station.