TV presenter narrates tale for hospice's art trail

A hospice's first public art trail that will feature 30 specially decorated elephants will also feature a unique story narrated by TV presenter Alex Jones.

Thames Hospice's Trunks Across the Thames appeal will run between Windsor and Slough from 13 July until 13 September.

Jones has narrated The Tale of Hope, which will sit at the heart of the trail and the hospice said "celebrates connection, compassion and community".

Rachael de Caux, the hospice's chief executive, said the appeal seeks to "bring our communities together, celebrate creativity, start important conversations and shine a light on the care and support Thames Hospice provides every day."

She added: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who is helping to make this possible, from our sponsors and artists to the schools, community groups and supporters who have embraced the project.

"Having Alex Jones narrate The Tale of Hope is incredibly special and helps us share the heart behind the trail with even more people."

In the story, Jones said the elephants are "symbols of unity, friendship and caring" and "remind everyone that hope lives on in the connections we share, the diversity we celebrate and the kindness that we offer to one another."

Those who have designed their own elephants include Charlie Mackesy, who won an Academy Award for short animated feature The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse in 2023.

His elephant will be unveiled at the Royal Windsor Flower Show on Saturday.

Art students from Reading College and University Centre also decorated one of the elephants in a design inspired by Dinton Pastures Country Park.

Other artists including Alec Saunders, Luke Crump and Jess Garrett have designed and painted other elephants for the trail.

Amazon and Iron Mountain Data Centers are the trail's headline partners, with other Berkshire businesses including Daler Rowney, Windsor Auctions, Maidenhead Aquatics and Ascot Racecourse supporting it.