“After such a great idea for the summer, seems only right that one pig should have a home at the hospice.”

This is just one of the touching messages that have been left by supporters of our campaign to raise £5,000 to purchase a Pigs Gone Wild statue for St Elizabeth Hospice.

Generous donators have helped A Hog for our Hospice break the £2,000 mark in the first of week of its launch – but a big push is needed to help us reach our target.

From patients and their families who have been cared for at the hospice, to people who have simply enjoyed the piggy trail around Ipswich, contributions both large and small have come pouring in alongside heartwarming comments on the online fundraising page.

One person said: “The pigs encouraged conversations between strangers so it will be good to have a reminder of the fun on the trail and the funds raised for such a good cause.”

Another added: “What a truly inspired and happy event for Ipswich. My granddaughter loved searching for the pigs around the town and also collecting the stickers.”

One donator who made a £100 contribution to the campaign said: “Great event for a worthy cause.”

Even the smaller donations came with encouraging words: “Sorry it’s not more but hope it helps.”

Dr Trott and Nurse Honey Cured was brought in midway through the trail to temporarily replace Major Henry Wigglesworth at Giles Circus. When the battle-ready pig returned, Dr Trott and Nurse Honey Cured took pride of place in the entrance lobby at St Elizabeth Hospice, Foxhall Road.

All of the pigs will go on auction on September 22. If we raise £5,000 through the Hog for our Hospice campaign, Dr Trott will be spared the auctioneer’s hammer and can stay at the hospice to be enjoyed by staff, patients and their families. The money will be added to that raised from the sale of the other 39 pigs and will enable St Elizabeth Hospice to continue its invaluable work with patients from east Suffolk.

To make a donation log onto giving.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/hogforhospice