BILFINGER AND HELLMANN WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS NAMED BOOKBENCH TRAIL HEADLINE SPONSORS

Clan Cancer Support has announced Bilfinger UK and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics as headline sponsors for its art trail in 2025.

The leading north-east cancer charity, in partnership with Wild in Art, will exhibit BookBench sculptures across the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland next year in The BookBench Trail.

Both Bilfinger UK and Hellmann were both sponsors for The Big Hop Trail which raised £202,600 for the charity at auction in 2023.

Hellmann will return as headline sponsor and will once again further support the project by storing all BookBench sculptures at its Dyce facility before they go on public display from July to September next year.

Bilfinger has agreed the remaining headline sponsor opportunity for the project, following the success of its sculpture sponsorship for The Big Hop Trail.

Ruth McIntosh, Clan’s business development manager, said: “We are thrilled to have secured two fantastic headline sponsors for our next art trail within weeks of us unveiling our plans to bring BookBench sculptures to the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland in 2025.

“Both Bilfinger and Hellmann have already experienced the rewarding journey of being a trail sponsor and we are delighted they have seen the value in renewing, and in the case of Bilfinger – upgrading their commitment for The Book Bench Trail.

“We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and look forward to working with the teams to ensure the partnerships continue to be meaningful and beneficial to both organisations and ultimately, enable Clan to support more people impacted by a cancer diagnosis.”

Bilfinger and Hellmann will each secure two BookBench sculptures in the main trail and two mini BookBench sculptures to be decorated by local schools.

Sandy Bonner, President of Bilfinger UK, commented: "We are immensely proud to be a headline sponsor for The BookBench Trail, following our rewarding experience with The Big Hop Trail.

“Supporting Clan’s initiatives not only aligns with our commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate but also allows us to actively contribute to raising awareness about the crucial support services available for those affected by cancer.

“We look forward to seeing the vibrant designs brought to life by local artists and to contributing to the success of this project."

Kevin Gaw, branch manager at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, added: “We are thrilled to continue our support of Clan as headline sponsor of The BookBench Trail.

“We look forward to seeing how the local community engages with the BookBenches and hope the forthcoming trail highlights the charity and its vital services and encourages people to open up about their own cancer journey.

“We also relish the opportunity to house The BookBench Sculptures at our Dyce facility and cannot wait to continue our working relationship with the team at Clan.”

Clan chose the BookBench sculpture, which depicts an open book, because of its lifeline listening support service which enables anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis to open up and tell their story.

The charity hopes the sculpture, which is 1.4 metres wide and can seat two adults, will encourage people to take time to reflect on their wellbeing as they enjoy discovering artwork on the trail.

Local artists will be invited to create unique designs and identities for each sculpture later this year. The artwork will be sold at auction at the end of the project, funding vital support services provided by Clan Cancer Support.  

The charity is now in the final stages of agreements with multiple other local businesses who are looking to sponsor a BookBench sculpture during the trail.

A sponsorship brochure is now available which details the various opportunities for businesses of all sizes who would like to support the project with packages starting at £450.

For more information about The BookBench Trail please visit: https://clancancersupport.org/the-book-bench-trail