Crawley-based St Catherine’s Hospice has launched its HeART to Heart trail across Horsham, Crawley, Reigate and East Grinstead, which sees 26 individually-crafted, fibreglass sculptures dotted around the areas that the hospice serves.
The first heart was unveiled at Horsham railway station on Wednesday (3 July) after its installation was arranged by the Sussex Community Rail Partnership (CRP) for the Arun Valley Line and supported by Southern. CRP Community Development Officer Rowena Tyler said: “It’s fantastic to see the heart at Horsham station. It’s been a long time in the planning. Southern have contributed funding to the HeART to Heart trail and of course offered their space.”
Terry O’Leary, Chair of the Board of Trustees at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “It’s great that Southern have allowed us to display a heart at Horsham station for the unveiling and leave it here for 10 weeks. We very much rely on businesses and people in the community to support us. It’s wonderful that Southern have been part of that support – without such support we wouldn’t exist.”
Station supervisor Miguel Alves added: “It’s a lovely piece of art – quite striking. It’s a wonderful initiative and we’re pleased to be part of it. It’s a pleasure to have the heart here.”
Each heart has been created by a local artist. The heart at Horsham station was commissioned by crime and thriller writer Peter James, alongside his friend, Sussex entrepreneur Steve Barrey, of Liquorice Dragon, and co-sponsored by Southern. The heart’s design draws inspiration from the front cover of Peter’s latest novel, which features hearts hidden amongst ironwork railings. The heart’s artwork was produced by Sculpture Studios and features air brushing and a vinyl overlay.
