A Norfolk sculptor has turned a piece of royal history into a joyful work of art, unveiling a handcrafted wooden totem pole designed to brighten the outdoor space of the Children’s Day Surgery Unit at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).
Local artist Billy Bicknell, owner of Billy Bicknell Carving based in King’s Lynn, created the sculpture from a tree sourced from the Royal Estate of Sandringham. The tree was originally cut down to accommodate additional powerlines but has now been given new life as a whimsical and uplifting feature for children and families visiting the hospital.
Standing proudly in the garden, the totem features a playful collection of characters including a capybara, penguin, gingerbread man, unicorn and a cheerful rubber duck. Each figure has been thoughtfully crafted to spark imagination, conversation and smiles among young patients.
Billy was inspired to create the piece after his daughter, Jeana, eight, received care from the Day Surgery team at The QEH. Wanting to give something back, he set about designing a sculpture that would bring comfort and joy to others.
Billy said, “I wanted to create something that children could connect with something fun, friendly and full of life. The team at The QEH looked after my daughter so wonderfully and this felt like a small way to say thank you.”
Jeana herself played an important role in the design, even naming the unicorn featured on the totem. Jeana said: “I called the unicorn Wildstar because it is the name of my favourite unicorn from the Unicorn Academy books, I hope other children like it and it makes them feel happy when they see it.”
Staff at the Children’s Day Surgery Unit have warmly welcomed the addition, noting its positive impact.
Chris Harrison, Lead Paediatric Nurse at the Day Surgery Unit said, “This beautiful sculpture has transformed our outdoor space into something really special. It gives children something to focus on and enjoy, helping to ease nerves and create a more relaxed, friendly atmosphere.”
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