Cycle ride and film aim to close funding gap for Mary Seacole statue

With less than £30,000 needed to complete a 12-year campaign to fund a statute recognising the achievements of legendary nurse Mary Seacole, campaigners are hoping a charity bike ride and promotional film will provide a massive step towards their final target.

On Saturday, a group of cyclists led by Ms Seacole’s descendant Noel Seacole will set off from Richmond in London to Windsor in Berkshire.

Moore Blatch Solicitors are organising the ride and partner Trevor Sterling, an ambassador for the appeal, said: ‘The cycle ride is a great opportunity to raise funds and may also serve as a good motivator for anyone looking for a fitness challenge.

‘It is vital that Mary’s work is recognised and that she continues to inspire people in the future.’

It is the latest in a series of events that began in 2003 to commemorate Ms Seacole, who was born in Jamaica in 1805 and cared for soliders during the Crimean War.

The campaign has already raised £450,000 towards funding a 10-foot bronze statue of the nurse which will sit in the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital in London.

A seven-minute fundraising video has also been launched on YouTube by the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal group. 

It explains why the statue – the first to a named black woman in Britain – is such an important milestone.

Speaking about the film, Lord Clive Soley, chair of the appeal group, said: ‘The statue will honour nurses and the nursing profession, recognising the part they have played at times of conflict throughout history.

‘We have had tremendous support from individual supporters, including many nurses, military units and major companies. We are enormously grateful to all of our supporters. This film will help us to reach new sources of funding.’

Further information

To view the video click here. 

Donations can be made here.