This year’s GoGoSafari trail has so far delighted tens of thousands of visitors who have descended on Norwich and further afield.
But for a Norfolk family, one sculpture in particular holds a special place in their hearts – and that’s Andy the Rhino.
Mr Plastic is a well-known company in the region, but most people are probably unaware of is the impact its managing director had on the county.
Andy Cole was a generous and kind-hearted man who raised thousands of pounds for various causes including Parkinson’s disease and the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital’s (N&N) neo-natal intensive care unit and children’s ward.
He also helped raised funds for Break, a local charity that supports young people in care and organiser of the GoGo trails.
The dinosaur went on to win the "best designed" prize and today can be found at the N&N where it continues to raise money for the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital.
Stacey Ford, director of Mr Plastic and Andy's eldest daughter, said: “We were over the moon when it was announced that this year, Franklin had dedicated and named the rhino sculpture Andy.”
Artist Franklin, whose autism and ADHD fuel his eye for incredible detail, has a passion for the natural world. His rhino design was inspired by Andy’s love for wildlife, in particular South African birds.
Franklin added: “The rhino is dedicated to my dear friend.
“After his passing, I wanted to pay tribute to him for all his support with my work.”
Rhino Andy is currently based outside the forum, and those that knew the real Andy have been asked to check out the little detail on the rhino’s front foot.
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A LEGACY OF LOVE AND DETERMINATION
Born on November 4, 1964, Andrew Kevin Cole was one of four children born to Dennis and Jean Cole, joining his two brothers, Michael and Graham, and sister, Linda.
Being the baby of the family, he was always considered spoilt by his older siblings and would often get all his own way - even if he was the guilty party.
Andy – or “Mole” as he was more commonly called - spent happy years growing up on Norwich’s Mile Cross estate.
Despite leaving school with no qualifications, he joined local company Mr Plastic as a counter warehouse staff member.
This was to be a job that Andy soon grew to love, even though he struggled with basic maths and English skills that were a big part of his day-to-day job. This eventually led to him taking and completing an evening course in business studies.
With a high grade pass, he was ready to go on to achieve the ambitions he had of owning the company he loved so much. This was eventually realised in 2006 when he purchased the company shares and became the managing director.
Andy was known at Mr Plastic to be a very helpful man who always enjoyed a cuppa and a catch up with customers, many of whom became good friends.
Since Andy’s passing, Mr Plastic has expanded into the neighbouring building off Oak Street in Norwich. This was something he always wanted to do.
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FAMILY LIFE
In the summer of 1980, Andy met his wife, Lorraine.
They married on September 15, 1985, and together had two daughters; Stacey (b. June 15, 1987) and Leah (b. August 6, 1991).
Andy had always idolised all his family and would often visit his children, in-laws and grandchildren many times a day.
In 2011, the couple moved from the family home in Mile Cross to Drayton – their first bungalow renovation project.
Paying tribute, his loved ones said: “Within the family, Andy was our rock and the head of the family we all turned to for advice – as well as often playing devil's advocate to stir up conversation and ideas.”
Andrew Cole died at home with his family by his side on April 25, 2024, aged 59.
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