‘Doc Martin’ visits The Great Tail Trail

Martin Clunes, ‘Doc Martin’ actor and patron of local charity Julia’s House, was at the launch of The Great Tail Trail in aid of the children’s hospice charity.

He met one of the artists of the 45 giant mermaid tail sculptures which can be found across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole until 1 June – as well as the family of the teenager who inspired her tactile design.

Local artist, Judith Opsblum’s design takes its name from a poem entitled ‘Footprints in the Sand’ and features the many different textures of the beach as well as inscriptions in Braille, so it can be experienced and enjoyed by touch as well as sight. The sculpture is also covered in foot and paw prints to symbolise cherished moments at the beach between pet owners and their furry companions. It has been sponsored by local company, F42 Travel.

Judith was inspired to create her design in memory of Annabelle Hover, who was cared for by Julia’s House until her death in January 2024 aged just 18. Annabelle’s younger brother, Robbie, shares the same degenerative and life-limiting condition as his sister: Juvenile Batten Disease. The condition leads to a loss of vision and mobility, seizures and dementia, with symptoms typically beginning to show around the age of six or seven. Young people with Juvenile Batten Disease are generally expected to live to their late teens or early twenties.

“Julia’s House is a lifeline for families like the Hovers,” said Clunes. “Every time I visit the hospice, I’m touched by how amazing the staff are. Families tell me how much it means to them to have some respite and how much their kids love their time there. It’s all about fun.”