Council staff cycle 1,170 miles for hospice art trail

Why it matters: The fundraising effort supports St Elizabeth Hospice's "Hop to it! Suffolk 2025" trail, which will bring 85 decorated hare sculptures to five Suffolk locations this summer.

The details: Suffolk Fostering and Adoption Service sponsored a hare through the hospice's Hopscotch Learning & Community programme, pledging to raise at least £650.

• Staff committed to cycle 20-minute segments towards a collective goal of 900 miles

• They exceeded their target, cycling 1,170 miles

• The service's sponsored "Stargazing Hare" will feature a winning design called "Living the Dream"

What they're saying: "I'm so proud of our staff who have stepped up to collectively cycle more than 900 miles, in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice," Cllr Bobby Bennett, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services, said.

By the numbers:

• 33 large hare sculptures will be displayed in Ipswich

• 52 sculptures will be spread across Beccles, Felixstowe, Lowestoft, and Woodbridge

• The hospice supports over 4,000 people annually across the region

The bottom line: The trail continues the hospice's successful art installations following Pigs Gone Wild, Elmer's Big Parade, and The Big Hoot, but marks the first time it extends beyond Ipswich.