Sheffield-based Loadhog Foundation is leading the charge for the Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail, proudly stepping up as headline sponsor for the region’s biggest-ever public art event.

As a business deeply rooted in the city, Loadhog’s support for Sheffield Children’s is both personal and powerful. Lucy Stringer, Marketing & Communications Manager at Loadhog and Loadhog Foundation Chair, said: “Being a Sheffield business with strong links to the region means supporting a cause like Sheffield Children‘s just makes sense – it builds awareness, connects us with the community and ultimately helps fund vital improvements for families across the region.”

Founded in 2021 as a way to give back, the Loadhog Foundation supports a wide range of charities and local causes with the goal of making a tangible difference. This enthusiasm for charity meant that joining the Pride of Yorkshire trail was a no-brainer, says Lucy: “We’ve been a long-time supporter of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity and have regularly sponsored snowflakes as part of their annual campaign. But we missed our chance to sponsor a sculpture during Bears of Sheffield and were determined not to let that happen again!

“Being the headline sponsor this time around means the world to us.”

Loadhog Bears All

When staff and visitors arrive at Loadhog, they can expect to run into a familiar face from trails gone by. Standing proudly outside its Attercliffe-based headquarters, you can find Barker Bear: designed by Coleman Design for 2021’s trail and won at auction by Loadhog.

The company plans to add to its menagerie by getting involved in the Pride of Yorkshire auction – due to be held in autumn 2026 – and purchasing a lion for its collection.

Talking about Barker Bear’s impact on the Loadhog team, Managing Director, Shaun Khan, told us: “It just brings the place alive. It creates curiosity and starts conversations – not just about our brand, but about what we stand for. Our customers notice it, our employees love it, and it’s a real point of pride.” 

People & Purpose at Loadhog

For Loadhog, the decision to back the Pride of Yorkshire wasn’t just about visibility, it was also about values. Shaun continued: “Supporting the Children’s Hospital is close to home for a lot of us. With 180+ employees, nearly everyone has a story – whether it’s their own child, a niece or nephew, or even personal experiences of care.

“Getting behind something that supports future generations is something we all care about.”

And for other businesses considering getting involved? 

“Do it,” said the Director simply:“You won’t regret it.” 

About Sponsoring the Pride of Yorkshire

Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity has set an ambitious £2.8 million fundraising target for the Pride of Yorkshire campaign, with funds raised earmarked to support cutting-edge research, vital new equipment and creative therapeutic projects for young patients.

We’re now on the lookout for businesses across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster to support the Pride of Yorkshire campaign. By sponsoring a sculpture, you not only align your brand with a fantastic cause, but you have it associated with a one-of-a-kind piece of art which will be seen by thousands next summer.

Businesses eager to sponsor can now submit an Expression of Interest form on the Get Involved page, where one of our team will be in touch with further information and next steps.

Key Dates for Sponsors:

January 2026: Applications to become a sponsor close.

February 2026: Sponsors choose their design from 150 unique sculptures.

June-September 2026: Pride of Yorkshire takes to the streets of South Yorkshire.

October 2026: Farewell event and action.

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Pride of Yorkshire will run from June 2026 – September 2026 across South Yorkshire. Watch this space for more information, how to get involved and support and for artists announcements on our website.

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