Tony spreads word about wartime hero
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THE driving force behind the Thomas Wilkinson statue appeal is embarking on a Halton-wide tour raising awareness of his work.
Tony Miller, 65, was invited to St Patricks Roman Catholic Primary School last Monday, April 30, to give a talk about Widnes war hero Act Lt Thomas Wilkinson, and will be giving another at Halton Haven.
A blue plaque honouring Act Lt Wilkinson is to be unveiled outside his birthplace, 96 Mersey Road, and Tony took the plaque into the school to explain what his appeal was about.
Tony said: “I was invited to give a talk about the Appeal and Tom at St Pat- ● rick’s by Karen Highcock, the headteacher.
“I took the blue plaque in and explained Tom was a West Bank Hero.
“Karen asked if any children lived in Mersey Road, several did, and one little girl said she once lived in 96 Mersey Road, Tom’s birthplace.
“The children asked many questions about the appeal and Tom.
“When it was over, I had a nice talk to Karen. We discussed whether a few pupils could attend the plaque unveiling, which she agreed to, as it is a community that produced a hero.”
Tony is grateful to those who have already donated, including Peter Brady, landlord of the Mersey pub, who paid for the plaque after he was told he was not eligible for a grant from WREN.
“We have been notified by WREN not to apply for a grant again, as they have given grants to Todger Jones VC DCM statue and Tom Mottershead VC DCM statue.
“This means we hope the good people of Widnes and Runcorn will donate towards the statue.
“We will be asking local companies large and small to help out. Without the likes of Tom, none of us might be here today.”
Donations have come from as far as Australia, and Tony is calling on Halton residents to step up and support this community project.
“We have had over £500 donated already, and a lady in Sydney donated A$100.
“She apologised it was only a small amount!
“All we know about her is she lives in sheltered accommodation and heard about the appeal.
“These statues represent everyone who has and still are serving our country, no matter where they came from and what and doing to serve our country.”
To donate, visit: www. thetomwilkinsonvcstatueappeal.co.uk or send a cheque to: The Tom Wilkinson VC Statue Appeal, 27 Godstow, Sandymoor, Runcorn, WA7 1UE.