For weeks, thousands of people have explored Dartford and Bluewater in search of the colourful bear sculptures that have transformed streets, parks and public spaces.

On Thursday 1 October, the sculptures will go under the hammer, giving people the chance to own one of the unique artworks while raising vital funds for ellenor and the specialist hospice care it provides across North Kent and Bexley.

Presiding over the auction will be Catherine Southon, one of Britain’s best-known female auctioneers. After beginning her career at Sotheby’s nearly 30 years ago, Catherine has become a familiar face to millions through programmes including Flog It!, Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip. Today, she runs her own auction house in Chislehurst, where she has built a reputation not simply for valuing objects, but for uncovering the stories behind them.

That is one of the reasons she believes this auction will be so special.

“People often think an auction is about what something’s worth,” she says. “Actually, sometimes it’s the story behind it that gives it its value.”

Designed by professional artists, schools, community groups and local businesses, each sculpture reflects the people and places that have made the trail such a success. Together, the bears have brought colour to Dartford and Bluewater while introducing thousands of visitors to ellenor and the work it does to support local families living with life-limiting illness.

Visitors can bid for the bear that became part of their summer. Businesses can give a sculpture a permanent home in a reception area or outside their headquarters, while schools and community organisations have the opportunity to keep a lasting reminder of the trail within their communities.

The auction will also be open to online bidders, allowing supporters from across the country to take part.

“Most charity auctions only have the people in the room bidding,” Catherine says. “This auction also has an online bidding platform ‘Bidpath’, so people can support ellenor from wherever they are in the world.”

Although she has spent decades auctioning everything from historic artefacts to extraordinary private collections, Catherine believes this sale will be memorable for a different reason.

“Normally people are bidding in an auction because they want the object,” she says. “This is about both. I’d like to think the number one priority is supporting the charity … but the bears are gorgeous too.”

When the hammer falls on 1 October, the sculptures will begin new lives in homes, workplaces and community spaces across the country. Every successful bid will help fund the care and support that ellenor provides for local families facing life-limiting illness.

The Bear Hunt Auction takes place on Thursday 1 October 2026.

To register your interest, find out more or book tickets, visit https://dartfordbearhunt.co.uk/auction/