'Hold on tight lad' as balloon design inspired by the Moon is released
A very special hot air balloon has taken to the skies over Bristol this morning.
Last updated 29th Sep 2020
It was the maiden flight of a brand new balloon in the shape of Wallace and Gromit's Moon Rocket - the famous duo's very first invention from 'A Grand Day Out'.
The balloon will now make flights at events around the world to raise money for the Grand Appeal - the dedicated charity for Bristol Children's Hospital.
The bright orange balloon took off from Bristol Harbourside this morning for its maiden flight, with Aardman co-founder and Creative Director, Peter Lord present to carry out last-minute inspections.
Andrew Holly, director of Exclusive Ballooning set his sights on building a hot air balloon for the charity after his daughter, Roma was treated at Bristol Children’s Hospital in 2018.
He said: “My wife and I were at Bristol Children’s Hospital in 2018 with our eight day old daughter Roma after she developed some breathing issues. Fortunately, all was well and Roma is already crazy about hot air balloons, rockets and Gromit so she really is going to love this!
"Whilst in the hospital overnight, I was inspired by the fantastic balloon mural that adorns the corridors and I realised we could really help The Grand Appeal raise some serious funds. The charity does such crucial work valued by so many people at difficult times, it was a no brainer. We decided we would privately sponsor the balloon in full and it was built in complete secrecy.
“We are so excited to be able to launch it into the Bristol skies and will be working with Aardman and The Grand Appeal over the coming years to raise as much money and awareness as we can for the charity, directly benefitting the families of Bristol."
From balloon flights, workplace and school visits, tethered rides and displays to sponsorship and fundraising stunts, the Moon Rocket will further diversify funding streams for the charity - generating vital funds to support the patients, families and staff at Bristol Children’s Hospital and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital.
Since 1995, The Appeal has raised over £70 million to fund life-saving medical equipment, pioneering research, three family accommodation houses, 20 specialist support staff and a programme of art, music and play.
Helen Haskell, Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal added: "What a fantastic way to recognise our 25-year partnership with Aardman by launching this unique feat of engineering thanks to Exclusive Ballooning. We are ‘over the moon ’that they have been able to turn our fun-loving duo’s contraption into this iconic hot air balloon.
"As the regional specialist centre for sick children , Bristol Children’s Hospital treats children from all over the South West and South Wales but Bristol is our home, and how lovely it is today to bring together Wallace & Gromit, the Grand Appeal and balloons to help us to continue to support sick children across the region."
Those who spot or capture the rocket in flight are encouraged to post their photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #spottherocket to help raise awareness of the balloon and the thousands of sick children it will support.