The famed attraction Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough has sold petrified Labubus to raise money for Martin House Children’s Hospice.
Ten labubu dolls, a quirky collectible character created by artist Kasing Lung, have been hung from the attraction’s Petrifying Well.
The dolls have risen in popularity over the past few months, steadily becoming a collectors item amongst young adults.
They were hung using string connecting them to each other in the attraction’s waterfall for five months.
The mineral- rich water meant that the labubus slowly became covered in a stone-like crust.
Fiona Martin, owner of Mother Shipton’s cave, says: “The Petrifying Well is such a fascinating geological phenomenon and, as England’s oldest tourist attraction, we’re always looking for new ways to keep visitors interested and engaged with the science behind the process.”
”When we started hearing about the craze surrounding these new toys, we were curious about what would happen if we petrified them.”
“As they started gaining attention online, we realised they could also become a creative way to raise money for charity, and we felt it was important to support a children’s charity, because they brought so much excitement to the children visiting the attraction.”
The museum kept one Labubu, but nine are being sold for £70 each, raising £630 for Martin House Hospice.
The charity provides free care for children, and the funds from the sale of the dolls will subsequently support those in need.
Rebecca Taylor, worker at the charity, says that the process will: “Help us to continue providing specialist care to seriously ill babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions.”
“It costs around £13 million a year to run Martin House, so this kind of support is vital to us.”
The overall experience had people eager for updates, and Rebecca Taylor says that she is “in awe of such an incredible fundraising idea from Mother Shipton’s. It is truly a unique way of fundraising for Martin House.”
Visiting the cave is vital to indulge in British North Yorkshire history, as it provides an insightful time for visitors.
What else is there to do in Knaresborough?
As well as viewing the petrified labubus, rowing boat hire is also available, and you can explore the banks of the River Nidd.
Annabelle Keelan, a student at York St John University who visited the town, says: “Knaresborough has really nice scenery and is close by for a nice day out with friends.”
“I enjoyed the rowing boat the most, it was really entertaining to try paddling down the river.”
Additionally, you can go on a long walk following the River Nidd into Mackintosh Park.
Reece Peddar, who visited on his free day from University, also says: “It was worth getting the train and visiting Just the views make it worthwhile, and it’s been an enjoyable day off from class.”
“Getting to walk around, see the well and its views, especially helped me destress a lot.”.
Even though it is small, Knaresborough is packed full of history and culture to visit to get away from reality.
Exploring the petrifying well or the rowing boats above all helps you become a part of British folklore.
And to look forward to, there will be a Festival of Visual Arts and Entertainment in Knaresborough during August.
