A DATE for the unveiling of a stunning life-size statue of Southend champion Sir David Amess has been confirmed.

Sir David was brutally murdered in his constituency office in Leigh on October 15, 2021.

Days later, the Government announced Southend would become a city in memory of Sir David, who campaigned tirelessly to secure the honour.

As a fitting memorial, sculptor Andrew Lilley has created a beautiful bronze statue depicting Sir David holding sheaves of paper marked “Southend for City Status”.

It will be unveiled on Chalkwell seafront, close to Chalkwell Lifeguards, in Southend, on Thursday, April 11, at 3pm.

Last month Lady Amess and Southend West MP, Anna Firth, travelled to the Milwyn Castings foundry in West Molesey to preview the statue Sir David.

The Amess family chose Andrew Lilley to make the statue in June 2023.

Lady Julia Amess said: “I was delighted to have been able to work with Anna Firth MP and Southend Council to decide on a location for the statue to David.

“It was crucial to ensure that the location was perfect, as I know David would have settled for nothing less. Being able to incorporate all of David’s favourite aspects of Southend, but especially the seafront played a key part in the choosing of this location and it’s one I am sure he would’ve loved. I hope that the statue will serve as a reminder of David’s total dedication to the City of Southend and its people.

“As a family, we are so proud of all he achieved. He is missed every day - but his light remains.”

In a heart-warming gesture, Mr Lilley made the decision to start the sculpture before any funds had been secured because he believed it was a worthy cause and a fitting memorial to Sir David.

The finished statue was made possible due to the fundraising efforts of Anna Firth, and the deep generosity of Dr Vijay Pate OBE, a businessman from Basildon.

Ms Firth added: “I am so pleased and proud to announce that the statue of Sir David will be unveiled next week. I was adamant when I was elected to succeed Sir David that there should be a permanent and meaningful memorial to someone who gave their life for Southend.

“When the Amess family asked me to help make it a reality I was delighted to assist and I really cannot thank Mr Vijay Patel OBE enough for his incredible generosity. I so hope that the statue will provide solace and comfort to his family while also remaining a source of inspiration to the whole community of Southend.”