We’re backing VC hero statue appeal
WIDNES Vikings and Runcorn coach company Anthony’s Travel have shown their support for a campaign to install a statue in memory of a pilot who received a top honour for gallantry.
Richard Munson, of the Vikings, and Richard Bamber, of Anthony’s Travel, met at Select Security Stadium in the hope of encouraging other companies to back the appeal.
The campaign, founded by Tony Miller, of Runcorn, is aiming to raise enough cash to install a statue of WWI pilot Sgt Thomas Mottershead, of Widnes, who received the Vic- toria Cross posthumously for saving the life of his observer in flying his aircraft to Allied lines despite being engulfed in flames after being shot up by the Germans.
Sgt Mottershead landed his aircraft but died from his burns five days later.
Mr Miller said that Anthony’s Travel and the Sgt Thomas Mottershead statue appeal have cemented their friendship with Widnes Vikings by becoming ‘ Vikings business ambassador members’.
It is hoped the campaign can replicate the success of the Thomas ‘Todger’ Jones VC statue appeal in Runcorn, which culminated in the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue of the Runcorn soldier at the Memorial Garden on Greenway Road in 2014 as part of the commemorations for the centenary of the outbreak of WWI.
A memorial stone in memory of Todger was installed next to the sculpture last week and unveiled to the public on Sunday.
Tony said: “Anthony’s Travel and Richard Bamber supported my first statue appeal for ‘Todger’ Jones VC DCM in Runcorn.
“Now he supports my second one – he truly is a top man. He helps many other local people and local charities, much of it unseen.”