A year after the death Captain Sir Tom Moore, an over life-sized bronze sculpture of the fundraising hero has been unveiled at Chapel Allerton Hospital.

The statue was donated to Leeds Hospitals Charity by sculptor Andrian Melka, who raised over £32,000 through online crowdfunding to bring this project to life.

After spending a few months on display at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the statue has a new permanent home outside the main entrance at Chapel Allerton Hospital.

Andrian hopes that the statue will inspire NHS staff, patients, and visitors to the hospital, he says:

“Captain Tom inspired so many people during the pandemic, not only with his incredible fundraising for the NHS but with his positive outlook and desire to be of service to others. Even at the age of 99, when most people would be sitting back, he wanted to do what he could to help others and to contribute.”  

Thanks to Captain Sir Tom’s fundraising efforts, raising over £38 million for NHS Charities Together, Leeds Hospitals Charity benefitted from £600,000 in funding.

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This money has supported several initiatives across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, including an employee, patient and volunteer support fund, a new staff room refurbishment to support frontline workers, as well as funding bedside tv and radio for patients who were not able to receive visitors.

Esther Wakeman, Chief Executive of Leeds Hospitals Charity said:

“We know first-hand how hard our NHS colleagues have worked during the pandemic, and that they always prioritise their patients. Thanks to Captain Sir Tom’s admirable fundraising efforts, we have been able to help staff at our hospitals and provide the extra dedicated support they deserve. We’re honoured that thanks to this tribute from Andrian; staff, patients and visitors to Chapel Allerton Hospital can continue to be inspired by him.”

Captain Tom’s daughter Hannah Ingram Moore, her husband Colin and children Benjie and Georgia travelled from their home in Bedfordshire to join Andrian, Esther and Julian Hartley, Chief Executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for the unveiling.

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Read more: NHS Charities Together News

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Hannah Ingram-Moore, daughter of Captain Sir Tom Moore said:

 “It means so much to my family and me to visit this wonderful statue of my father in its new home at Chapel Allerton Hospital. My father was Yorkshire born and bred, so he would be enormously proud to be here. The sculptor, Andrian Melka, has done a fabulous job capturing my father’s sense of determination to make a difference. I hope he can inspire others to do the same as they walk into this hospital each day.”