Two of Bristol’s most famous residents took off from the ballooning capital of the country and headed out on an epic adventure round the world to raise money for the city’s Children’s Hospital, in collaboration with their own charity, Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal.
The balloon, made from a special, lightweight material to help it on its journey, took nine months to build. Shaped in the form of a bright orange rocket, the eye-catching vessel was emblazoned with the faces of the intrepid duo.
It is hoped that the balloon will make appearances at balloon festivals around the world to raise money for the hospital, enabling it to continue to do its important work. Inspiration for the fundraising venture came after the balloon builders found themselves in Bristol Children’s Hospital with their eight-day-old daughter. Creating this remarkable fundraising balloon became their way to give something back to the hospital that was there for them when they needed it.
The balloon took off on its maiden flight from the Bristol harbourside. Aardman Animations co-founder, Peter Lord, was on hand to ensure everything passed with a hitch. Residents will be able to see much more of the balloon in the future, when it is not off exploring the globe.
In the meantime, people in the city can experience the thrill of a hot air ballooning adventure for themselves by embarking on a hot air balloon flight over Bristol, Bath, and other areas of the south west.
