Bobby Ball fans rockin' on dressed as their hero to boost statue fund

Jane Dean and partner Sean Lester, both 46, from Marton, have been running and cycling throughout this month to raise awareness of the appeal to build a statue of comedy legend in Lytham’s Lowther Gardens – and plan to crown their effort by raising as much money as possible for the fund via a bucket collection.

They are sure to stand out as they will be dressed up as Bobby at the height of his TV fame with long-time comedy partner Tommy Cannon, complete with black curly hair and the trademark red braces – and plan to be accompanied by a unicyclist.

They will be “circling The Green” between around 12.30 and 2.30pm on Saturday and hope to raise a generous amount for the appeal.

The aim is to then hand over the cash to Bobby’s widow Yvonne to help take the appeal further towards its £100,000 target.

Jane is a singer and met Bobby several times at events.

“He was such a lovely man and so much missed,” she said.

“The statue is a wonderful idea and we hope we can raise a good amount towards it.

“Sean and I have been going out every day after work and at weekends running and cycling and raising awareness of the fund by posting videos.

“We have been delighted with the response and hope to collect a good amount on Saturday.”

After being launched in mid-December, by the time we went to press this week, it stood at just over £21,200, with contributions from more than 850 supporters.

Included in that is £2,500 raised by Blackpool entertainer Kelvin Wood with a sponsored run every day through January, culminating in arriving at Lowther Gardens to be greeted by Bobby’s widow Yvonne.

Meanwhile, Yvonne has announced the setting up of the charitable efforts of The Bobby Ball Foundation, registered charity which will support organisations Bobby was so passionate about raising funds for.

Lowther and the Blue Skies Hospital Fund will benefit from that, along with the statue appeal and two all-star concerts are planned for Blackpool later this year.

Details of the statue fund at www.justgiving.com/campaign/bobbyballstatue

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