We are delighted to confirm that Leporum Fisher, the very first hare decorated by the late artist Paul Karslake raised more than £20,000 at the auction, which means it is coming home to Fair Havens.

The final and beautiful piece of art produced by the prominent local artist Paul Karslake, who sadly died at the start of the pandemic in March 2020, was a stunning Hare as part of Havens Hospices’ Hares About Town trail.  Paul’s Hare, known as Leporum Fisher (Leporum meaning hare in Latin and Fisher as his hare was of Old Leigh at Sunset) can be seen throughout the trail at Chalkwell seafront

Unbeknown to many, Paul had been commissioned to produce a custom piece of art to stand outside the new Fair Havens building in Southend.  Sadly, Paul died before he could begin this work and therefore Leporum Fisher, as his final piece of work, has a special place in the heart of all those at Havens Hospices, as well as, of course, for Paul’s family and friends.

Instead of the commissioned piece that Paul could not sadly complete, the team at Havens Hospices would love to make the gardens at the new hospice Leporum Fisher’s forever home.  It seems only right that Paul can still be the first artist credited with a piece at the new hospice building.

At the end of the Hares About Town trail, every Hare, including Leporum Fisher, will be auctioned to the highest bidder with the proceeds of the auction going to the charity.  These valuable funds will mean more local people can benefit from the specialist care Havens Hospices gives to families facing the challenges of complex and incurable conditions.

And therefore, we need you…

To secure Leporum Fisher’s return to the gardens at Havens Hospices, we must win the Hare at the auction as the highest bidder.  We would love for the community in and around Southend, and indeed across Essex, to come together as the collective highest bidders through this JustGiving page, not only securing this beautiful and poignant Hare for the charity but at the same time raising important funds for your local hospice care.

Be part of something special, make a difference and donate today.

*If the collective bid is not successful as the highest bidder at the auction, all proceeds to the fund will be treated and gratefully received as donations to Havens Hospices.