Ipswich Pigs Gone Wild Hedgepig artist Valerie Osment dies after short illness

Matt Reason

Published: 8:30 PM September 9, 2017 Updated: 8:50 PM October 11, 2020

Valerie Osment, the artist who created Hedgepig for the Pigs Gone Wild trail in Ipswich, has died. Picture: PHIL MORLEY - Credit: Archant

The talented artist behind the popular Hedgepig on Ipswich’s Pigs Gone Wild trail has died, St Elizabeth Hospice have announced.

Valerie Osment, who has died after a short illness. Picture: SU ANDERSON - Credit: Su Anderson

As well as Pigs Gone Wild, Valerie Osment had made several artworks for a range of charity trails up and down the country.

A statement from St Elizabeth Hospice, on the Pigs Gone Wild Facebook page, said: “We are sorry to share the very sad news that the incredibly talented artist Valerie Osment has died after a short illness.

“Valerie created ‘Hedgepig’, which was one of the most popular sculptures on our trail.

“As well as ‘Hedgepig’ Valerie created many other wonderful pieces of art for a range of trails throughout the country, helping to raise funds for a variety of charities.

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“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”

Hedgepig was one of 40 sculptures set up around the town and was located at St Lawrence Church. It was sponsored by Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The 2016 trail lasted for ten weeks and was enjoyed by 250,000 people.