Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity has announced that a roar-some pride of lion sculptures will be taking over South Yorkshire in 2026 to celebrate 150 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
Titled ‘Pride of Yorkshire’, this major public art trail is the charity’s most ambitious fundraising campaign yet, and will raise vital funds to support the hospital’s next chapter of life-changing care.
Building on the success of Bears of Sheffield, this new trail will feature 150 large lion and lioness sculptures, and 150 smaller lion cubs sculptures – each telling a unique story and designed by professional artists and community groups. This ambitious initiative will see sculptures positioned across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield bringing communities together and inspiring thousands of visitors to explore the region.
Pride of Yorkshire promises to be a breathtaking free art exhibition that brings together businesses, artists, schools and the public, which will culminate in an auction to raise further funds for Sheffield Children’s.
A painted lionness sculpture. Designed and painted by Tom Newell. Image credit: Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity
Cheryl Davidson, Head of Community and Events and Pride of Yorkshire Project Lead, Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity, said: “The Pride of Yorkshire trail will be a landmark event, bringing people together to celebrate 150 years of incredible care while ensuring Sheffield Children’s can continue its life-changing work for generations to come.”
“We want this to be our biggest and most impactful campaign yet, uniting the region in support of a cause that touches so many lives. The beauty of this campaign is that everyone can play a part. Whether it’s a company stepping forward as a sponsor, a school embracing the fundraising challenge, or a family exploring the trail. Together, we can make this a movement that has a lasting impact on children’s healthcare.”
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For more details on how to get involved, visit www.prideofyorkshire.org
A once-in-a-generation celebration for Yorkshire
Loadhog Foundation is the headline sponsor for the trail. Lucy Ellis, Loadhog Foundation Chair, said: “We’re so proud to support the Pride of Yorkshire project, which brings communities together while raising vital funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
“The Loadhog Foundation was set up to give back to causes that matter locally, and this lion trail is a brilliant way to support the charities amazing work and show just how much Yorkshire cares.”
A region-wide public art exhibition
With the campaign being region-wide this time around, the charity is delighted to be working with local councils from Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster.
Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee at Sheffield City Council said: “The Pride of Yorkshire public art trail is a fantastic initiative that will not only raise crucial funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, but that will also help to attract visitors and help them to explore our city and region.
“I would encourage local businesses to get involved and support this initiative. It is not only for a fantastic cause but will bring people into the city and help support our local economy.”
Cllr Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture at Barnsley Council, said: “We’re delighted to be included in the Pride of Yorkshire art trail, and to support Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity’s 150th anniversary.
“I’m sure that people across Barnsley will love exploring the trail and finding the lions, lionesses, and cubs both in our borough and across South Yorkshire. It's a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to celebrate and experience public art."
Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster said: "I’m delighted to see the Pride of Yorkshire trail being launched here in Doncaster ahead of the sculpture trail going live across South Yorkshire next summer. This is a truly wonderful charity with its vital work directly supporting over 5000 of Doncaster’s children and families in need of Sheffield Children’s Hospital services each year.
Get involved – businesses, artists, and schools invited to join the Pride
Sheffield Children’s is calling on local and national businesses to sponsor a lion, artists to bring the sculptures to life with bold and inspiring designs, and schools to adopt a lion cub, creating a legacy of creativity and fundraising among young people.
A legacy of giving and creativity
Following the trail’s conclusion, all large lion sculptures will be auctioned to raise essential funds for Sheffield Children’s, supporting its commitment to world-class paediatric care, innovation, and research. The smaller cub sculptures will be returned to schools and community groups as a permanent reminder of their role in this historic celebration.
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