A private fundraiser has just been launched to create a bronze sculpture as a permanent memorial for Garfield, known as ‘Ely’s most famous cat.’
The ginger tom, commonly known as Garfy, was a local celebrity who regularly featured in the local press for his various antics, as well as being the star of two books. When he died after being hit by a car in 2019, the whole of Ely mourned.
Now his owner David Willers, has launched a fundraiser to raise £6500 to create a statue of the much-loved feline.
“People loved Garfy,” David said today, “and ever since we lost him, people have been asking if we can erect a memorial for him. So we approached the council and got permission to install a life size bronze of Garfy and bench beside it. The idea is that people can sit on the bench and stroke the statue, just as they used to stroke the real Garfy when he was alive.”
The bronze statue will be created by local artist Sally Dunham who creates a wide range of animal sculptures from her studio in Soham said she was delighted to be asked to create Garfy’s likeness.
“When David approached me, I was honoured to be invited to work on this project. Garfy had such a special place in people’s hearts and the idea of being able to create a place of reflection is wonderful – especially after the last two years.
“Once we start work on the sculpture, we plan to have a website where I can upload photos of the creative process so anyone who has donated can see the progress we are making.”
People can donate to the fundraiser at https://www.gofundme.com/create-a-memorial-of-elys-most-famous-cat.
The plan is to unveil the statue in the summer of 2023.
Press release from Mr Sainsbury’s aka Garfield
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