Great Orme goat t-shirts raise thousands for St David's Hospice in Llandudno
More than £33,000 has been raised for a Llandudno hospice from sales of a t-shirt featuring the now-infamous Great Orme goats.
The wild Kashmir goats became a viral sensation when they took over Llandudno's quiet streets after lockdown began.
Whilst looking for innovative ideas to help raise funds during lockdown, St David's Hospice came up with the idea of featuring the goats on a t-shirt.
The hospice grounds, on Llandudno's Abbey Road, are no stranger to the curious creatures, who often wander down in early spring.
In a clever nod to the hospice's location, the t-shirt design channels The Beatles' iconic Abbey Road album cover - but instead features the goats trotting across the zebra crossing.
So far, 2,380 t-shirts have been sold, raising £33,700 for end-of-life care patients.
The range has recently expanded to include 'goat totes' and so far 260 of the bags have been sold, raising £1,480.
The money raised will help pay for the community nurses who care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Spokesperson Margaret Hollings said: “We have been totally overwhelmed by the way people have responded.
"To date, we have sold 2,380 t-shirts to people worldwide, from the UK to Australia, New Zealand, California and Canada. We are so appreciative of the support we have been given in these most challenging times.
“The Llandudno goats have really captured the nation’s hearts in their cheeky antics of late, and to think that more than 2,000 people will be walking around in these t-shirts dedicated to their cheekiness really does put a positive spin on the current situation."
The goats are often seen on the fringes of the seaside town, but it's thought the current lack of traffic and pedestrians has encouraged them to explore further.
Local residents have reported the animals nibbling flowerbeds, trotting out in front of cars and running through the streets at night.
Watch the goats in action here:
St David's Hospice depends on public donations for 84 per cent of the £4 million it costs to run its services every year.
Like many charities, it is facing huge financial challenges due to the coronavirus outbreak. Lockdown has meant the cancellation of fundraising events and charity shops have had to close their doors.
St David's Hospice has been allocated £600,000 as part of an aid package announced by the Welsh Government, but has also recently launched its own ‘recovery fund’.
A spokesperson said they must raise £1 million by the end of the year to ensure that the hospice doors can remain open.