Our finest hour...Daily Express readers join battle to save Memorial to The Few
DAILY Express readers have responded magnificently to an appeal to save the Battle of Britain Memorial.
They have donated more than £24,000 of the £40,000 raised to help preserve the memorial to the battle which saved Britain from Nazi invasion 80 years ago.
This has halved the £80,000 funding gap facing the memorial on top of white cliffs overlooking the English Channel near Folkestone.
It has only just reopened after being forced to close for nearly four months during the coronavirus lockdown.
Group Captain Patrick Tootal, secretary of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, said: “The Trust has been amazed at the support that has been shown for the Memorial and particularly pleased with the contribution made by Daily Express readers, which we estimate has brought in about half of the £40,000 pledged so far. It shows the love and respect that the people of this country have for the Few and we are determined to keep on telling their story.
“We still have some way to go to make up for what we have lost though, so please give generously if you haven’t already done so.”
He was backed by Spitfirefan schoolboy Jacob Jennings who has been made a “young ambassador” for the Trust to mark his incredible support.
Nine-year-old Jacob has even posted an appeal on the Trust’s Crowdfunder page. Standing in front of the Memorial’s replica Spitfire, Jacob said: “I support the Crowdfunder. I hope you do too. It really is important to keep this site open. We will remember them.”
To donate please go to crowdfunder.co.uk/save-thenational-memorial-to-the-few or send a cheque made payable to the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust CIO to The Secretary c/o PO Box 337, West Malling, Kent ME6 9AA.