Bobby Ball statue appeal tops £10,000

Bobby Ball with his long-time comedy partner Tommy Cannon

That’s 10 per cent already of the fund-raising target of £100,000 set to make a lasting tribute to the comedy legend in his adopted home town of Lytham a reality.

Contributions to the public subscriptions appeal for the statue to be placed in Lowther Gardens have been invited since December 16 via a Just Giving site on the internet – and fans have been keen to play their part.

Some 450 individual donations took the appeal over the £10,000 mark, with many ranging from £5 to £50, but one contributor who donated £500 said: “I can’t think of anyone more deserving than you, Bob, for all the happiness you brought to me and countless others.

“You were a special man and the world was a better place with you in it.”

Bobby, who died in October, aged 76, was a patron of Lowther Pavilion and had performed at the venue many times.

He was also part of the team which spearheaded the first fundraising efforts for the theatre and adjacent gardens.

In agreement with Bobby’s family, the statue will be cast in bronze and one and half times lifesize based on his 40th birthday appearance.

To fully capture his character, the aim is for the figure to have one leg slightly forward, be slightly pulling on his right brace with his right thumb.

The £100,000 will cover the costs of casting the statue in bronze and preparing the plinth.

Tim Lince of the Lowther Trust said: “Bobby was a real community player and a great, great loss to Lowther.”

To contribute to the appeal go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/bobbyballstatue

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