Lions at Large welcomes 'The King' to Cheltenham

As the Lions at Large trail 2025 launches in Gloucestershire, we’re delighted to reveal that our sponsored lion is ‘The King’, painted by a renowned hospital mural artist, Lynne Hollingsworth.

Inspired by Lynne’s father’s love of Elvis, and Gloucestershire’s royal connection, The King can now be found in a prime location outside Cheltenham General Hospital. Read more about ‘The King’ in our ‘Meet the artist’ interview.

The trail’s 32 large lion sculptures and 54 cubs, known as ‘The Pride of Gloucestershire’, have been painted by artists to celebrate the rich history, culture and diversity of Gloucestershire, and now stand majestically in various locations around Cheltenham and Gloucester as part of the Lions at Large trail.

Launching on Friday 11 July and running until Sunday 14 September, the trail has been organised in aid of ‘The Big Space Cancer Appeal’ by creative production company, Wild in Art in partnership with Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity. The appeal aims to raise money to build a brand new cancer care facility in the county.

Willans is the only Gloucestershire law firm to sponsor a lion in the Lions at Large trail 2025 and our involvement continues the firm’s commitment to supporting cultural causes across our county.

Willans’ managing partner, Bridget Redmond said: “As a firm, we feel it’s our responsibility and privilege to support our local community and this is a very exciting campaign, which will not only directly benefit cancer patients in Gloucestershire, but also helps to boost our business and leisure economies. We are delighted to be involved.”

Visit the Lions at Large website, or search your phone’s app provider, to download the app and follow the trail, discovering the location of 32 magnificent sculptures.

We hope you enjoy the trail!

About the Big Space Cancer Appeal

The Big Space Cancer Appeal is raising funds for a new cancer centre that will offer local patients the very best environment for treatment, healing and recovery.

The first phase of the project is to build a new space at Cheltenham General Hospital to improve the environment inside and out for patients and staff. There will be modern consulting rooms complete with new digital technology, space for innovation and research trials as well as a new therapeutic garden. Existing facilities in the current Oncology Centre will also be upgraded as part of the second phase of the project.

The clinical team have been heavily involved in the design of a comfortable, welcoming building that will transform the care experience. Almost £8.5m has already been raised towards the project thanks to donations from individuals and businesses as well as NHS funding.

Now, we are asking the Gloucestershire community to come together to help raise the remaining £9m needed to fund both the new build and transformation of existing facilities. Our new cancer care centre will be bigger, better and brighter.

Funds raised from Lions at Large will go towards this brand-new, cutting-edge care facility will be a warm, welcoming space that will help the treatment and healing of all who come here. This new Centre of Excellence will truly be ‘The Pride of Gloucestershire’.

About Wild in Art

Wild in Art is the leading producer of spectacular public art events that entertain, enrich, inform and leave a lasting legacy. It brings together businesses and creative sectors with schools and local communities through the creation of uniquely painted sculptures. Since 2008 Wild in Art has animated cities across the world including Sydney, Auckland, Cape Town and São Paulo, and created trails for the London 2012 Olympics, the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Historic Royal Palaces and Penguin Random House.

Wild in Art events have:

• Enabled over £26.5m to be raised for charitable causes
• Injected £4.3m into local creative communities
• Engaged over 1.2 million young people in learning programmes
• Helped millions of people of all ages to experience art in non-traditional settings

Follow them on social media @wildinart or search the hashtag #wildinart for more.

About Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity

Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity is the official charity of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Every donation you choose to give helps your local hospitals do more to care for you, everyone you love and our passionate NHS staff. From state-of-the-art equipment, transforming the hospital environment, and supporting our incredible staff to specialist care; your support helps to make an impact every day.

Whether it is a one-off donation; a regular contribution; a gift from a will; donating time as a volunteer; or organising an event – we couldn’t be more grateful for your kindness, compassion and generosity.