Five Derbyshire artists are set to play a starring role in Pride of Yorkshire- a major new sculpture trail launching in summer 2026 to celebrate 150 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Next year, 150 large lion sculptures will appear across South Yorkshire, each designed by different artists, to raise funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

Among the 60 artists already confirmed, Derbyshire boasts five standout creatives bringing their own distinctive styles, stories and connections to the region:

David Gee (Dave Draws): Chesterfield, a mural artist and “map doodler” known for large-scale doodle maps created with his signature monochrome Posca-pen style.

Matt Cockayne: Chesterfield. bold, colourful pop-art inspired painter known for capturing the humour, nostalgia and Northern personality of South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

Katie Abey: Matlock, beloved illustrator, shop owner (Punnydukes, Matlock Bath) and author whose bright, empowering artwork has featured in children’s books.

Nicola Mills (Mrs Maker): Derbyshire, 3D designer and artist transforming school environments with imaginative installations and vibrant animal portraits.

Si Homfray: Hathersage, Peak District artist and designer whose work is rooted in the Derbyshire landscape, wellbeing and outdoor adventure.

Chesterfield artist Matt Cockayne will be painting two lions for the Pride of Yorkshire trail, and doing so in a unique purpose-built garden ‘studio’: a safari tent complete with a log burner, which he’s nicknamed “The Lions’ Den.”

Matt has been a professional artist for 11 years, despite being both left-handed and colour blind, a combination he notes “may not sound ideal for a creative career, but I must be doing something right.”

He grew up in Halfway, Sheffield, with deep family roots in the steel industry, and previously worked in printing, sign-writing and graphic design before going full-time as an artist.

Speaking about his Pride of Yorkshire design, Matt said: "Having spent time at Sheffield Children’s Hospital when I was younger, the cause is close to my heart. It means a lot to give something back to a place that supported me and supports so many young people.”

Matt previously painted the popular Hendophant for the Herd of Sheffield in 2018, a highlight he still looks back on fondly: “The trail launch will be fantastic - seeing all the lions together under one roof is something I’m really looking forward to. Being part of the Herd in 2016 was a huge success and a wonderful moment for the city. I’m excited to contribute again.”