In a surprising turn of events, a 5ft 3in bronze statue of the legendary Captain Sir Tom Moore has found its way onto eBay, desperately seeking a new home after failing to secure a public display spot. Crafted under the artistic vision of Leeds creator Tony Clark, who collaborated with Indonesian artists, ‘The Walk of Hope’ statue was intended to grace the national hero’s home county of Yorkshire.

Clark, with a ‘heavy heart,’ initiated a crowdfunding campaign back in October 2020 to find a suitable location for the statue. Despite efforts to engage Captain Tom’s family and Bradford Council, the quest for a public berth fell flat, leaving Clark with a life-sized bronze masterpiece yearning for a permanent residence.

The artistic brainchild of Clark and his pal Keith Sharratt, this 170kg sculpture aims to celebrate Sir Tom’s remarkable fundraising feats, indomitable character, and strong Yorkshire ties. Clark, appearing on This Morning in February 2021, shared that Captain Tom’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, was ‘taken aback’ and ‘inspired’ by the creation. While expressing a preference for Yorkshire, Clark emphasised the importance of raising funds for the Captain Tom Foundation, a charity established by the veteran’s family.

The eBay listing, featuring the original 2020 commission, underscores the statue’s connection to Captain Tom’s extraordinary achievements. However, it’s worth noting that the foundation and family have distanced themselves from this sale, making it clear that they neither endorse nor have any involvement with the transaction.

Captain Tom, a national icon, captured hearts and wallets across the UK during the first national lockdown in 2020. His initial goal of raising £1,000 for NHS Charities Together skyrocketed to an astonishing £38.9 million within three weeks. Even after his passing in February 2021, his family continued his philanthropic legacy through the Captain Tom Foundation.

However, not all is smooth sailing for the foundation. The Charity Commission is currently investigating potential conflicts of interest, mismanagement, and whether the trustees fulfilled their legal duties. Adding to the family’s woes, a planning application for a spa pool block at their home has become a saga, with a recent order from Central Bedfordshire Council to demolish the Captain Tom Foundation Building.

In a conversation with Piers Morgan, Hannah Ingram-Moore vehemently denied any self-indulgence, asserting that the building was constructed with ‘all personal money’ and not a single penny from the foundation. Acknowledging naivety in the family’s business dealings, she maintained that they are ‘wholesome, good people’ with a sincere commitment to their causes.

As this captivating tale unfolds, the bronze statue’s fate hangs in the balance, awaiting a generous bidder to claim this remarkable piece of artistry and commemorate the indomitable spirit of Captain Sir Tom Moore. Stay tuned for more updates on this auction and the ever-evolving saga of the Captain Tom legacy!