Sir David Amess tribute to be added to Dame Vera Lynn statue

Virginia Lewis-Jones with sculptor Paul Day at the launch of an appeal to raise funds for a memorial statue of her mother Dame Vera Lynn (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)

The daughter of Dame Vera Lynn has said she will include a tribute to Sir David Amess in a memorial to her mother that the Tory MP campaigned for.

Virginia Lewis-Jones, a family friend of Sir David, said she will add a tribute to the statue of her mother once it is created.

The Southend West MP supported and helped launch the Dame Vera Lynn Memorial Appeal, a campaign working to have a statue erected in honour of the forces’ sweetheart after her death.

The statue is expected to cost around £1.5 million which has not yet been raised, but renewed efforts are being made to publicise the campaign and to now honour Sir David.

Sir David Amess helped launch the appeal (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)

The statue will be designed and created by sculpture Paul Day and will be situated on the White Cliffs of Dover the subject of one of Dame Vera’s most famous songs.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast Ms Lewis-Jones said: “I think in some way, David should also be remembered in the memorial for what he has done to this point and hopefully in spirit will continue to do.

“We’ve got to continue, not only for my mother but also for David for what he began and for what we will continue to do because it’s half his memorial as well.”

The appeal has raised just under £49,000 but more donations have flooded in since the death of Sir David on Friday, with one person writing “In memory of Sir David RIP” alongside their donation.

Sir David launched the appeal in June this year with an event at Maison Dieu in Dover, and was in regular contact with Ms Lewis-Jones about the progress of the fundraising.

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