THE Sunday Post’s favourite young lad is as busy as ever making money for sick children across Scotland.
Following the success of Oor Wullie’s Bucket Trail in summer 2016, and an auction which raised £883,000 for charity, a final statue was created.
The design of that final sculpture has been a closely-guarded secret. Until now.
Oor Wullie’s Bucket Trail saw Dundee transformed by the wonderful sight of 55 Oor Wullie sculptures across the city.
They were displayed for 10 weeks before being auctioned to raise funds for The ARCHIE Foundation’s Tayside Children’s Hospital Appeal.
It was a huge success, with thousands of families following the trail to see the statues, all of which were designed by local artists.
But Oor favourite, along with the ARCHIE, was keen to raise more funds for the appeal.
So the final sculpture will be auctioned at the charity’s Spring Ball on March 16.
It’s such a fantastic design, even PC Murdoch would approve.
And there’s sure to be a fierce bidding war at the Spring Ball to find A’body’s Wullie a new home.
A’body’s Wullie sees oor boy wearing his trusty dungarees. This time, though, they are a collage of the 70 previous sculptures.
It’s no surprise this final Wullie is such a winner.
His designer is an expert on all things Oor Wullie.
John Barrie was a Sunday Post artist and designer for 24 years.
Not only did he design the Oor Bowie, Your Bowie, A’Body’s Bowie sculpture that was part of the Bucket Trail, he is involved in other work for ARCHIE and was a sponsor of the “Jolomo” sculpture.
John says he was honoured to design the final Wullie sculpture.
“When I was a wee boy, we always got the Broons and Oor Wullie annuals for Christmas – like all Scottish children. It was always a fight to get the first read!” he says.
“So to be asked to design the final version is fantastic.
“It’s been a bit nerve-racking and a big responsibility to make it a classic.
“But the reaction to A’body’s Wullie from the select few who have had a sneak peek before today has been very positive.
“I’m hopeful Sunday Post readers will approve of what I’ve done with their boy.”
More than 3,000 children need an operation in Tayside every year.
Currently there is only one dedicated paediatric operating theatre, meaning some children need to have surgery in adult operating theatres.
The new unit The ARCHIE Foundation is fundraising for, aims to change all that. It will double the current capacity and include a quiet room for parents, assessment and recovery spaces and outdoor and indoor play facilities.
As well as the auction, there’s also a raffle to win an Audi A1 Sport.
Director of Fundraising Cassie Thompson is thrilled with A’body’s Wullie.
“It’s a really special way to celebrate the success of the Bucket Trail and we’re excited to auction him at the Spring Ball,” she says.
Fancy owning this final, special Wullie?
It’s not too late. Email cassie@archie.org to make a bid by lunchtime on March 16.
And good luck!
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