This summer, visitors to ellenor’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Art Trail will discover The

Healing Bear, a sculpture created by artist Victoria and sponsored by Artisan Print Services.

One of 31 large bears appearing across Dartford, it draws on her love of nature and the sense of peace she finds outdoors.

“I do believe that nature is healing,” she says.

The 31-year-old illustrator grew up in Barnehurst and describes herself as optimistic, adventurous and always inspired by nature.

The chance to be part of an art trail in her local area immediately appealed.

“It’s local,” she says. “I really wanted to do it.”

“Nature is really important to me,” she says. “It’s something that always reflects in my work.”

That connection runs through everything she creates. After studying motion design and animation at university, she found herself increasingly drawn towards illustration, fascinated by how colour, imagery and visual storytelling can shape the way people feel.

“You get given a script and then it’s your choice how you represent it,” she explains. “I love the idea of helping to shape a story through colour and the elements you choose to show.”

When she started designing the bear, Victoria was navigating a period of change in her own life, one that prompted her to reflect more deeply on healing and wellbeing.

“When I was designing the bear, I was thinking about healing,” she says. “I was thinking about people going through a lot.”

Rather than focusing on illness itself, she found herself thinking about the moments that help people through difficult times.

“Even if things are hard, you still have those moments to breathe,” she says. “You can step outside, look at nature and embrace those small moments. Every second counts.”

Those reflections found their way into the finished design, alongside the wildlife and natural elements woven throughout the artwork.

Nature sits at the heart of The Healing Bear, reflecting Victoria’s belief that the natural world can offer comfort, perspective and moments of calm.

“It’s not really about positivity,” she says thoughtfully. “It’s more about the energy you feel when you’re outside and it’s peaceful. I wanted that feeling of peace.”

Before becoming involved in the trail, Victoria knew ellenor in the same way many local people do.

“I used to go to the charity shop in Crayford all the time,” she says. “I knew the name and I knew the charity, but I didn’t really know much about the hospice.”

That changed when she began researching the organisation before developing her design.

One message in particular stayed with her. ellenor’s belief in helping people embrace life, even during difficult moments.

“When I read that, it really stuck out to me,” she says. “It mirrors how I feel. Even when things are hard, there are still moments to appreciate life.”

For Victoria, that idea sits naturally alongside the themes explored in The Healing Bear.

“Having a moment to step outside or look at nature helps you embrace life, even in the smallest seconds and minutes,” she says. “That’s really powerful.”

The trail itself aims to do something similar. As well as raising vital funds for ellenor’s specialist care, it encourages people to explore their community, discover local artists and learn more about the charity’s work supporting families facing life-limiting illness.

For Victoria, that matters.

“I think art trails are wonderful because they start conversations,” she says. “People might come to see the artwork, but then they learn about the charity behind it,” she says. “It’s the start of a conversation.”

It has certainly changed her own perspective.

“I didn’t realise how connected art trails are to charities,” she says. “Now I want to learn more about them. I think it’s amazing.”

Creating the bear also brought an unexpected sense of calm.

“Honestly, it felt very meditative,” she says.

The project became as much about the experience of creating the bear as the finished sculpture itself.

Parts of the sculpture were painted with the help of her identical twin sister, Alice.

“The whole time I felt this warm feeling. I was thinking, ‘This is beautiful.’ It was a pleasure bringing it to life.”

This summer, thousands of people will encounter The Healing Bear as they follow the trail across Dartford.

Victoria hopes they leave with the same feeling she carried throughout its creation.

“Just peace,” she says.

“If people look at it and feel that feeling you get when you’re outside and everything feels peaceful, then I’ve done what I hoped to do.”