England cricket legend, Sir Ian Botham, dressed this outdoors-loving Paddington Bear in full, traditional cricket whites to introduce him to the very English game of cricket. The 3ft 6in bear has some experience of playing cricket from the “Paddington Saves the Day” story. However, he found that the knee pads were a tad too big for him.
Sticky Wicket was the perfect name for this particular bear because, as well as a cricket term, it is a general phrase used to describe challenging circumstances; something Paddington is fairly familiar with. Plus that marmalade really does get everywhere!
Sir Ian was knighted in 2007 in recognition of his cricketing achievements and outstanding charity work. This statue is testament to his love of cricket as well as the determination he shares with the NSPCC that no one should ever be abused, especially children.
FIND ME!Hanover Bridge, Regent’s Park (Next to the Boating Lake), London, NW1 4RL