Cambridge giraffe sculpture trail 'stands tall' with care leavers

Harriet HeywoodBBC News, Cambridgeshire
News imageRMG Photography Two passers-by looking at a giraffe sculptureRMG Photography
The giraffe sculptures can be found around Cambridge

A tower of giraffes will help to raise money for care leavers and will encourage people to "stand tall".

Sculptures decorated by artists, schools and community groups have been placed across Cambridge.

There are 31 large giraffes and 62 mini sculptures in the trail.

After 10 weeks, an auction will raise funds for Break, a charity that aims to boost the chances of young care leavers.

News imageRMG Photography Two mini giraffes on a puntRMG Photography
Break said giraffes represented the work done by the charity

Spokesperson Nikki Neile said Break felt giraffes best represented the work done by the charity.

"They have big hearts and we give our young people all the love, safety and nurture we can," she said.

"They are tall and we stand tall with our care leavers. Giraffes go in groups called towers, and we group around and work with our young people."

She added that 18-year-olds in care were often not ready to leave or be fully independent, so Break "acts as a family to help navigate them to adulthood".

News imageRMG Photography A group of Break supporters and one of the giraffesRMG Photography
The trail is a partnership between Break, Wild in Art, Cambridge BID and Alan Boswell Group

Many of the 31 large giraffes, which have been decorated by established artists, will be sold at a charity auction.

They have a range of themes such as the environment, literature, science and nature.

The 62 mini versions were decorated by schools and community groups.

Money for Break will also be raised though donations, app downloads, events and merchandise.

News imageRMG Photography Large and mini giraffe sculpturesRMG Photography
The 31 large giraffes have been decorated by established artists

Trail-goers can find the sculptures by using the Cambridge Standing Tall app or maps available from trail hubs.

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