The moving Heart of Gold bull, which was one of the trail’s 128 spectacular sculptures, was moved specially to their site on Birmingham Business Park and unveiled alongside a commemorative bench at a special ceremony.
The renowned engineering firm played a significant role as the Learning Programme Partner, where they provided vital support and encouraged young people to study subjects in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Heart of Gold, which was also sponsored by Rolls-Royce, is a heartfelt design from local artists Lynsey and Kieron of Reilly Creative.
Kieron was inspired to support the trail after his grandad was cared for by the hospice. It was also one of the trail’s most popular sculptures and was collected on its app 3,155 times.
Simon Kirkland, head of manufacturing services at Rolls-Royce, said: “This sculpture stands not just as a piece of art but as a symbol of our partnership, community and compassion.
“Earlier this year we were honoured to support Birmingham Hospice through the Bulls in the City trail as the Learning Programme Partner.
“This gave us the opportunity to champion STEM across the local community while also helping to raise vital funds for the hospice, which provides such exceptional care to those who need it.
“The bull is a lasting memory of the importance of community, supporting each other and working with Birmingham Hospice.”
Bulls in the City saw 40 larger than life sculptures and 88 smaller ones placed at locations throughout the city during the summer.
Each member of this colourful herd boasted their own unique design, which were created by artists, patients, community groups and schools.
Both the sculpture and the company’s involvement embodied their ‘making a difference’ core value, where they reflect on the impact of business choices and strive to deliver excellence and efficiency on the things that matter.
Kind-hearted Rolls-Royce staff volunteered hundreds of hours to support the hospice in a variety of ways, from assisting with the installation of sculptures on the main trail to helping in the Herd HQ shop and delivering 30 mini calves to schools and community groups.
As the trail’s Learning Partner, Rolls-Royce worked with the hospice to develop a learning pack and reached out to 71 schools across Birmingham to teach children about the importance of STEM and leave a legacy which has inspired the next generation of engineers.
Rebecca Richards, Bulls in the City Project Lead, said: “From the minute Rolls-Royce came onboard as our Learning Programme Partner we knew they were going to make a huge difference.
“As an engineering giant, Rolls-Royce wanted to promote STEM to children and young people across the city, so they were the perfect partner to lead our education programme.
“The whole team at Rolls-Royce are dedicated, hardworking and generous with their time. We can’t thank them enough for their support and we’re so glad Heart of Gold has been able to stay with them in Solihull.”
