A night of celebration and generosity ended with a staggering amount of money raised in Gloucestershire this October 2025, with the Lions at Large sculptures roaring away with more than £220,000 at auction.
The collection of hand-painted lions went under the hammer to raise funds for The Big Space Cancer Appeal, which is an initiative aiming to build a new cancer centre that will 'offer local patients the very best environment for treatment, healing and recovery' in Gloucestershire.
The Dean of Gloucester and Big Space Cancer Appeal board member, the Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, said: 'The county, and beyond, desperately needs a new cancer centre that will transform the experience of those facing this illness.
'Having somewhere that prioritises not only treatment, but also well being and healing, is incredibly important. The Big Space Cancer Appeal brings those priorities to the forefront and we are proud to be making a difference for the people who need it most.'
County visitors and residents followed the Lions at Large trail throughout the summer, made up of 32 large lions and 54 cubs dotted across Cheltenham and Gloucester, with over 200,000 sculptures unlocked on the accompanying app.
Gloucester Cathedral hosted around 200 guests at the auction, with people bidding in the room and online to give their favourite member of the colourful pride a permanent home.
Each lion was sold for between £2,500 and £30,000, with a few cubs returning to the schools and community groups that decorated them.
Associate director of The Big Space Cancer Appeal, Richard Smith, said: 'It was an unforgettable evening at the Lions at Large auction and we are absolutely thrilled to announce that our pride raised over £370,000 in total.
'This amazing amount brings us even closer to making the dream of a bigger, brighter home for cancer care in Gloucestershire a reality.
'We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us; whether through tonight’s auction, by taking part in the trail, remembering us in your will or signing up to a fundraising challenge.
'It is the incredible Gloucestershire community that is creating a lasting legacy of care, and for that, we cannot thank you enough.'
Aside from generous bidders of higher net worth, the village of Twyning successfully came together to secure funds and bid for The Kintsugi Lion, painted by local artist Samantha Morris.
Members of the Twyning community, Paul Dorkings and Mark Hartell, said: 'When we launched the campaign to bring the lion home we hoped our small village might raise enough to make a difference, but what happened on auction night was truly extraordinary.
'When we reached our limit, we asked the audience to 'let the underdog win', so we could bring the lion home as a thank you to Sam for all her incredible work in the community. The audience united in support, with several people pledging gifts of their own to help make it happen.
'Together, we reached an absolutely incredible total of £15,500! Winning the auction and securing the lion’s return is more than just bringing back a sculpture; it’s bringing home a piece of our community.
'The Kintsugi Lion will stand as a lasting reminder of what’s possible when people come together with hope, creativity, and compassion. We couldn’t be prouder to give this special piece, and everything it stands for – a forever home.'
