Last night, the Dolphin Discovery Trail 2025 culminated in a spectacular charity auction at the Peninsula Hotel, raising over £40,000 on the night and more than £80,000 in total for Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA.
The event featured 62 beautifully decorated dolphins, each sponsored by a local business or group and brought to life by talented artists, schools, and community organisations. Attendees were welcomed with canapés and drinks, and the Peninsula Hotel staff were praised for their friendly and exceptional support throughout the evening.
Thanks to the Guernsey Freemasons, many dolphins arrived at the venue on Sunday, with the final 36 delivered on Tuesday by the dedicated Artex Guernsey team, who also played a vital role during the auction, assisting with phone bids and moving dolphins in and out of the venue and throughout the event and we cannot thank them enough.
Before the auction even began, over 36 pre-bids had been placed, starting from £500. The highest bid of the evening was £1,600 for Fairytale, sponsored by TISE and painted by Dom Ogier-Keltie. Another standout was Hermia, sponsored by Herm Island and decorated by India Waterhouse, which sold for £1,250.
A raffle added to the excitement, with generous prizes donated by supporters. The evening was hosted by John Randall from BBC Guernsey, who served as the licensed auctioneer, bringing energy and professionalism to the event.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager and lead organiser, said:
“We are absolutely blown away by the generosity and enthusiasm of everyone involved. From the sponsors and artists to the volunteers and bidders, this event has shown the very best of Guernsey’s community spirit. Huge thanks to the Peninsula Hotel, Artex, Guernsey Freemasons, and all who helped make the night so special. With the GSPCA Biggest Build in our history and working 24/7 helping animals and our community these funds will help make a real difference and we are already looking to the future for the next big event and trail.”
Andrew Sparks, Director of Autism Guernsey, added:
“It’s been a privilege to be part of such a creative and impactful initiative. The funds raised will make a real difference to the lives of those we support. Thank you to everyone who contributed, especially Bailiwick Express for their help with the website and promotion.”
Islanders are now collecting their dolphins from the Peninsula Hotel, with Steve Byrne on-site from 10am to assist. The charities are already looking ahead to the next trail, which may feature a Christmas 2026 theme. Interested sponsors, artists, and venues can register by contacting [email protected] .
For more information or to donate, visit:
From Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA a huge thanks to all that were involved and supported this amazing event.
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list or support Autism Guernsey https://www.autismguernsey.org.gg/ .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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