GIRL Guides from across South Gloucestershire have helped to raise over £10,000, taking part in a special challenge during the “Shaun in the City” trail in Bristol.

The specially-created “Shaun in the City” challenge and badge, focused on the 70 five-foot sculptures of Shaun the Sheep scattered across Bristol in July and August last year, and was designed by Girlguiding Bristol and South Gloucestershire, with the support of The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity.

Over 140 South Gloucestershire and Bristol units ordered badges, with further orders received from units in Essex, Hertfordshire, Cornwall, Kent, Norfolk, the West Midlands and Wales. Orders were even received from a Guiding unit in Victoria, Australia, and a group of Scouts in Finland.

A total of 6,843 badges were sold, with The Grand Appeal receiving a donation from each badge. Combined with the fundraising many units completed as part of the challenge, the total raised across the region comes to an amazing £10,587.

Laura Whiteway, assistant county commissioner for Girlguiding Bristol and South Gloucestershire, said: “The ‘Shaun in the City” trail was such an exciting event, and we were inundated with requests from groups who wanted to take part in the challenge, as well as some international orders.

“The girls really enjoyed the creative activities involved, with many groups organising special Shaun-hunting days to visit the sculptures on the trail.

“We knew the badge had been popular but we are absolutely thrilled with the amount raised. The girls are all very proud that their efforts this summer will help The Grand Appeal support other young children who are unwell.”

Amber Janney, events fundraiser for The Grand Appeal, said, “We were delighted to work with Girlguiding Bristol and South Gloucestershire to create this special “Shaun in the City” challenge and badge. It is wonderful to hear that it has been such a success, not just in the south west but all over the UK, and even internationally!

“While badge sales came to just over £2,000, more than £8,000 came from the fundraising events that the girls themselves organised. This is a fantastic achievement and we are so grateful for the support of everyone who took part.

“Your money will help us make a huge difference to the lives of sick children from across the region who are treated at Bristol Children’s Hospital.”