Kelvin goes extra mile to boost Bobby statue fund

Kelvin Wood ran at least 5km every day through January in his bid to boost funds – and brought the curtain down on his energetic enterprise with his longest single run, more than 12km from his Blackpool home to the intended site of the Bobby statue in Lytham’s Lowther Gardens.

The 48-year-old was accompanied by Bobby’s grandsons Sam and Joel O’Sullivan for the final run – and was presented with a surprise trophy memento by Bobby’s family to say thanks for his efforts.

Bobby’s widow Yvonne was at Lowther Gardens with other members of the family to greet Kelvin and his fellow runners and to present the trophy.

Kelvin was a big fan of Bobby and set up a Facebook page to attract backing for his runs towards the statue fund, which was launched six weeks ago with a target of £100,000.

“I am so overwhelmed with everyone’s support over the last month,” he said.

“With the support and backing of Bobby’s family, I will be keeping the page going for anyone who wants to use it as a base for any fund-raising ideas they have for the statue. I’m sure I will be doing something else along the way too.

“There really was no more fitting destination on the final day than Lowther Gardens and I hope one day soon we can see the statue of Bobby there.”

Sam O’Sullivan said on social media after his run: “It was an honour to run with you on your final run KJ Wood! Well done on running every day in January to raise money for my grandad’s statue you absolutely smashed it!”

Bobby’s daughter Joanne O’Sullivan added: “Thank you so much Kelvin for running all through January, in the worst weather, to raise money for the statue for my dad at Lowther Pavilion. The whole family appreciate your contribution more than you know - you are a star.”

Bobby, who died in October, would have turned 77 last Thursday and long-time comedy partner Tommy Cannon paid tribute to him on his birthday,tweeting: “Miss you, mate. Have a scotch up there for me.”

Details of how to contribute to the statue appeal are at www.justgiving.com/campaign/Bobbyballstatue

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