While charity workers and volunteers have been busy preparing for the island-wide Dolphin Discovery Trail, one of the statues has already been broken.
Organised by the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey, supported by Express as media partner, the Dolphin Discovery Trail is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds for each of the charities.
Businesses, schools, organisations, and individuals have sponsored 62 dolphin statues which are being put on public display across Guernsey. They’ve each been decorated by artists, creatives, community groups and schools.
This morning, ‘Echo the Dolphin’; sponsored by the Guernsey Freemasons and decorated by St Martin’s Primary School, was found snapped in two – with Guernsey Police now investigating the damage as a case of possible vandalism.
Officers have been to collect evidence said Steve Byrne, Manager of the GSPCA.
“The Dolphin Discovery Trail is a huge community event with 62 sponsors and 62 dolphins decorated around Guernsey and Herm which we have been delivering thanks to our team and volunteers from Artex this week.
“This weekend we have been testing the treasure hunt app and completing the finishing touches but sadly this will now be slightly delayed as vandals have broken Echo the dolphin in two, which was decorated By St Martin’s Primary School who will be very upset on Monday when they arrive to school and the dolphin is not there as it is being repaired.
“A friend contacted me this morning who passed the dolphin; which was between St Martin’s Primary School and the Masonic Hall, as the funds to sponsor it came from a raffle run by local Freemasons.
“It is likely the incident occurred last night on Liberation Day or the early hours of this morning,” added Mr Byrne.
“In all the years these events have taken place this is the first time such deliberate vandalism has occurred and I have been with Guernsey Police this morning who have taken prints, photos and are looking into the CCTV in the area.
“If anyone might have seen what happened or have any information we ask you please contact Guernsey Police on 01481 222222.”
Clare Giles, Headteacher of St Martin’s Primary School said “it’s very sad news”.
It will now cost money to repair Echo – with any donations welcome via giving.gg said Mr Byrne.
“Echo is now on route to a kind volunteer who will repair the dolphin which we will get back to the school to repaint what needs doing and we will likely slightly adjust its location,” he said.
“I have spoken to the Head Teacher at St Martin’s School where they put so much work into decorating Echo so they know what has happened and are of course upset but are ready to help get it back to the fabulous decoration to help promote and raise funds for the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey.”
The Dolphin Discovery Trail is following the fundraising path set by previous events such as the Puffin Patrol, and Golden Goat displays. The Puffin Patrol raised £140,000 in total – which was split between the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey in 2023.
Mr Byrne said they hope to raise similar amounts this year, with the Dolphin Discovery Trail already receiving masses of community support.
Mr Byrne added that there remain opportunities to get involved.
“We continue to look for a sponsor for the ‘turf hunt’ app which is a minimum £1000 and would be a huge help to cover the costs to something that will ensure islanders and visitors have a lot of fun searching and recording the dolphins they find,” he said.
“Those who get all 124 points from the app, with one point for locating the dolphin and a second point for a picture of a dolphin or with it, will be in with a chance to win a prize or prizes depending on if others can help with additional prizes.
“We have had lots of help to get us to where we are from Ravenscroft with the plinths to Signrite with the signs, Artex volunteers delivering and testing the app to our team, volunteers and the Work to Benefit placements have been incredible.
“We cannot thank the 62 sponsors and artists enough as well as all the locations and so many others such as Bailiick Express for all they are doing.
“This awful challenge has slowed the launch but we ask islanders to be patient as it is coming very soon and you can see many around the island and enjoy what so many have done for the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey.”
Andrew Sparks Autism Guernsey Director said he was also disappointed and saddened to hear that ‘Echo’ had been damaged before the Dolphin Discovery Trail had even launched.
He hopes there won’t be any more such incidents.
“It is awful to see what has happened to Echo the dolphin sponsored by Guernsey Freemasons and decorated by St Martin’s Primary School,” he said.
“We were just days away now in getting all the dolphins in place, but this sadly means a slight delay.
“Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA are so excited to get the Dolphin Discovery Trail underway so please watch our media channels to find out all the updates and as terrible as this is we will have it all up and running very soon.
“Thank you to everyone that has helped so far and if anyone would like to sponsor the treasure hunt app to find all the dolphins and be in with a chance to win a prize then please do get in touch.”