IT’S NOT your usual charitable donation but it is hoped this rhino-shaped gift will spark a stampede of donations.

Global Radio has handed over their life-sized Go! Rhinos sculpture to the Seward Cancer Foundation to help boost the charity’s awareness and, more importantly, their funds.

The charity, which was set up in 2011, helps improve the lives of cancer patients across the region, and this year has set themselves a £50,000 fundraising target.

So in a bid to help them, Global Radio, owner of Heart FM and other stations, donated their rhino which will take its place on the trail through the streets of Southampton this summer.

Marwell Wildlife’s Go! Rhinos public art extravaganza promises a unique day out for residents and visitors to the city, with the aim of boosting the economy and raising funds for charity.

Karyn Head, from Global Radio, said: “We felt giving the rhino to the Seward Cancer Foundation would help raise the awareness of the charity in 2013, as they embark on their most ambitious target yet to get to £50,000.”

Shaun Perry, from the foundation, added: “We are delighted to be associated with the Go! Rhinos charge. The foundation is privileged to be supported by Global Radio in this regard and is looking forward to joining Marwell on this exciting and worthy campaign.”

The project is asking businesses to pay between £3,500 to £4,000 for a sculpture, which they can then choose to decorate with one of a variety of designs by local artists.

Some of the proceeds from the auction of the sculptures at the end of the ten-week trail through the city will go towards Marwell Wildlife’s work with rhino conservation. Money will also go towards other conservation projects within the park, as well as the Rose Road Association and Wessex Heartbeat’s HIGH 5 Appeal.

For more information call Marwell’s Kirstie Mathieson on 01962 777931.