Tales of the Tails: How a Local Art Trail is Supporting Julia’s House Hospice

A wave of mermaid tails has swept through the seaside towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in support of Julia’s House, a children’s hospice facing financial challenges.

Utku Huseyin reports.

The Juila's House team pictured alongside a mermaid sculpture supporting this year's charity art trail - Photo credited to Amanda Gillet

A burst of artistic energy has taken over the south coast, as 45 giant mermaid tails, each uniquely painted by local artists, have appeared throughout Bournemouth and its neighbouring towns.

Playful and eye-catching, the trail carries a heartfelt mission to raise vital funds and awareness for Julia’s House, which provides care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across Dorset and Wiltshire.

“We were keen to tie the trail back to the hospice,” explains Amanda Gillet, community fundraiser at Julia’s House.

“The reason we went for the mermaid tail specifically is because at our hospice in Corfe, the end-of-life suite is called the Mermaid Room.”

It features a beautiful stained-glass window and a fountain inspired by the mythical sea creature. “It felt like a natural match for us to do a mermaid.”

The Juila's House team pictured alongside a mermaid sculpture supporting this year's charity art trail - Photo credited to Amanda Gillet

The Juila's House team pictured alongside a mermaid sculpture supporting this year's charity art trail - Photo credited to Amanda Gillet

Mike Bartlett, deputy CEO of Julia’s House and also deputy chief executive of The Great Tail Trail, adds, “It's quite imaginative and a lot of what we do with children is actually play and creativity.”

Organised in partnership with Wild in Art, The Great Tail Trail builds on a legacy. In 2011, Julia’s House launched a lion sculpture trail that captured Dorset’s imagination.

“It’s amazing because people still talk about it,” says Amanda. “We’re hoping the mermaid trail will have a similar impact.”

A glimpse into the beauty of the Tail Trail - Filmed and created by Utku Huseyin

But behind the art and nostalgia lies a pressing reality. Julia’s House provides crucial hospice care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, yet only 8% of its funding comes from the government.

The remainder must be raised through public donations and fundraising. However, costs continue to rise.

“The recent employer national insurance rise is costing the charity about £242,000 a year when we’re already looking at approximately a £1 million deficit over the next couple of years,” Amanda reveals.

Mike says “We’re looking for something to reinvent ourselves, a relaunch in the area to give us a chance to tell our story again.” Above all, he says, it’s about “raising awareness and telling a story.”

For many involved, the trail is more than a fundraiser, it’s a passion project.

Bournemouth-based multimedia artist Yveline Burton blends cosmic curiosity with ancient history in her design. “I love space, the idea of exploration and something bigger than us,” she says.

Her tail is inspired by prehistoric cave handprints, symbolising human connection across time. “The idea of going out into the universe to become something bigger after you pass.”

Watching children engage with her sculpture has been particularly moving. “They want to put their hands on the handprints and find one that matches them, which is exactly what I hoped.”

Yveline prepares to bring her creative vision to life - Photo credited to Yveline Burton

Yveline adds the finishing touches to her tail for the charity trail - Photo credited to Yveline Burton

Swindon-based illustrator Judy Guillery designed a tribute tail inviting people to honour loved ones by adding their names to the artwork.

Sponsored by Nicholas O’Hara Funeral Directors, the piece holds special meaning for families coping with loss. “They’re wonderful people, always doing whatever they can to promote it,” Judy shares.

Judy stands proudly next to her completed tribute mermaid sculpture - Photo credited to Judy Guillery

Judy stands proudly next to her completed tribute mermaid sculpture - Photo credited to Judy Guillery

Her 14-year-old son Morgan, passionate about technical art, also designed a mermaid tail. “It’s lovely to share this with Morgan. As a mum, I couldn’t ask for more.”

Judy and Morgan pictured with their finished sculpture - Photo credited to Judy Guillery

Judy and Morgan pictured with their finished sculpture - Photo credited to Judy Guillery

Judy values being part of this talented community, “They've really set the bar high. You get a sense that you’re a part of something great.”

A quiet moment of focus as artist Judy works her intricate design - Photo credited to Judy Guillery

A behind-the-scenes glimpse of Judy and her son Morgan during the sculpture's transformation - Photo credited to Judy Guillery

For Wimborne-based illustrator Becky Dodd, the trail is a full-circle moment.“I was around 11 years old when the last trial came out and I absolutely loved it.”

Now she’s created her own, blending coffee motifs with sea life to form a tail resembling “patchwork tattoos.”

A close-up view reveals the intricate details that bring the sculpture to life - Photo credited to Becky Dodd

A close-up view reveals the intricate details that bring the sculpture to life - Photo credited to Becky Dodd

Seeing her work publicly displayed has been an emotional experience. “It’s an incredible feeling. It’s great to have people I love personally seeing my work out and about.”

Becky believes the trail is a powerful way to engage the community. “There’s no better way to raise awareness than through something positive and involving so many local creatives.

Becky stands beside her completed mermaid sculpture, a vibrant reflection of her artistic style - Photo credited to Becky Dodd

Becky pictured with her finished sculpture, now ready to take its place on the trail - Photo credited to Becky Dodd

A close-up capturing the essence of the completed artwork - Photo credited to Becky Dodd

Local businesses are playing a key role too. The Marriott Hotel, which previously sponsored a lion sculpture, returned to support the mermaids.

Michael Regenhardt, their multi-property manager, says it was an easy decision. “Julia’s House is a local charity that’s worthwhile to support,” he explains.

Their tail reflects the hospice’s ethos. “It looks cheeky and jolly, capturing what Julia’s House is about. It’s a serious place, but they also want to create smiles.”

The sculpture’s design takes centre stage in this detailed view - Photo credited to Michael Regenhardt

The sculpture’s design takes centre stage in this detailed view - Photo credited to Michael Regenhardt

He encourages other businesses to get involved, “It’s important for every business to support one shape or another.”

The Marriott Hotel staff team pictured with the sculpture, showing their support for the community initiative - Photo credited to Michael Regenhardt

The Marriott Hotel staff team pictured with the sculpture, showing their support for the community initiative - Photo credited to Michael Regenhardt

The sculpture stands tall, drawing attention with its bold silhouette and vibrant presence - Photo credited to Michael Regenhardt

The sculpture stands tall, drawing attention with its bold silhouette and vibrant presence - Photo credited to Michael Regenhardt

Southbourne landscape painter Shelley Perry embraced that joy, designing a tail in fluorescent neon “My painting is about colour and having fun,” she says.

Shelley first connected with Julia’s House at an information evening and later raised over £1,000 by completing the Isle of Wight Challenge. “It’s an honour to be part of something so lovely for such a good cause.”

Her sponsor, Hero UK&I, shares her enthusiasm. Sustainability manager Nikki Barry explains, “Kids are at the heart of our business and it’s a wonderful charity.”

She was struck by the joy the sculptures bring, “you can’t help but smile when you see them.” For Nikki, the trail is not only beautiful but meaningful, “It’s a wonderful thing to put your name on, raise awareness and raise money.”

Shelly and the Hero UK&I team pictured alongside the sculpture, representing collaboration and care - Photo credited to Nikki Barry

Shelly and the Hero UK&I team pictured alongside the sculpture, representing collaboration and care - Photo credited to Nikki Barry

Shelly with her finished mermaid tail, a design brought to life through vision and detail - Photo credited to Shelley Perry

Shelly with her finished mermaid tail, a design brought to life through vision and detail - Photo credited to Shelley Perry

For members of the public, the trail has offered a fun way to explore the area. Local resident Molly Peg says, “We loved doing the trail, it's been the perfect challenge to do altogether as a family, engaging all of us but especially our 2-year-old daughter”.

Molly and her family with their favourite sculpture, the beautifully crafted Puffin design - Photos credited to Molly Pegg

Molly and her family with their favourite sculpture, the beautifully crafted Puffin design - Photos credited to Molly Pegg

Despite the trail’s success, Amanda stresses its deeper aim. “We’ve been in the community now for over 20 years. But not everyone’s really fully aware of what it is that we actually do.” She adds, “We're providing care in their community to some of the most vulnerable families.”

The Great Tail Trail concludes with an auction on June 20th, where each sculpture will be sold to raise further funds.

While the mermaids may swim off to new homes, their message and the impact they’ve made will ripple through the community for years to come.