Soldier statue adapted to pay tribute to Tom Moore

Anton Schembri, from Hook, hand-made the design titled the Soldier Silhouette for VE Day last year, positioning it on the roadside in Hadley Dene, Rotherwick.

He has now changed the statue in honour of Captain Tom, who died last week aged 100 after raising almost £33m for the NHS.

Anton enlisted the help of his niece and nephew – nine-year-old Moe and eight-year-old Pearl - to pay tribute to Captain Tom, adding in the veteran’s walking frame in replacement of the soldier’s gun.

The 21-year-old full-time student a Cardiff University, who is studying ancient history and Spanish, said his family wanted to “pay tribute to his heroism” adding: “It saddens me to see such political conjecture over his memory in the comment sections. Ultimately, it is disheartening that the NHS is so underfunded that it requires charity from heroes like Captain Tom at all. Help from the very people it is there for most.

“His memory shouldn’t be trivialised to flag waving but instead his morals should be honoured with a well-funded public health service and adherence to the rules.

“Stay home, protect the NHS and save lives, because regardless of politics Captain Tom was a hero and we all love our NHS.”

Anton said his family regularly pays tribute to various causes on the grass verge, including the NHS anniversary, BML movement and Carers Day.

He said: “It also serves as an educational opportunity for the kids whilst out of school. They’ve learnt of the founding of the NHS by Aneurin Bevan, the heroism of Captain Tom, the tragedies of the world wars and the Grenfell fire.”

He added: “The verge has become somewhat popular with the local community; people often beep as they pass by. Though it has been controversial at times as well. Last year we had many signs stolen or vandalised and even received violent threats in regard to the BML movement.

“But it’s all worth it if it makes just one person smile on their commute. Especially the key workers.”