Great North Snowdogs raise over £250,000 for St Oswald’s Children’s Hospice

The sixty one decorated Snowdogs which made up the region's biggest art trail were auctioned off in aid of St Oswald's Hospice yesterday (6th December) and raised a total of £259,200.

Two Snowdogs, the glittering Disco Dog and Guide Dog both topped £9,000, while four never-before-seen mini Snowdogs raised nearly £15,000 collectively.

Eric Wardle who had travelled down from Fife, Scotland to attend the auction bought one of the trail's most popular dogs, Arthur, for £5,200.

North East buyers competed with internet and telephone bidders from across the UK with thousands of people from the North East and beyond visiting the sculptures over the nine-week initiative.

The dog that inspired the greatest response in the room was undoubtedly Wild North East which was decorated by artist Jina Gelder, with the help of some of the children receiving care and support at the Hospice.

St Oswald’s had launched a justgiving campaign to raise money to bid for their dog and as bidding got underway, donations poured in from supporters.