Sebbie Hall statue saved by Lichfield residents
Local community rallies to rescue Sebbie Hall's statue from being melted down
A statue commemorating the ‘UK’s Kindest Person’ narrowly escaped destruction thanks to a last-minute effort by local residents. The statue, depicting Sebbie Hall in a heroic pose, was at risk of being melted down for recycling.
Sebbie Hall, 21, was celebrated with the statue last year after committing daily acts of kindness throughout the Covid pandemic and continuing for the past four years. Sebbie, who has a rare chromosome anomaly and faces physical and communication challenges, considers his kindness his ‘superpower.’
His mother, Ashley, oversees the Sebbie Hall Kindness Foundation, which has raised over £100,000 for disadvantaged individuals in Staffordshire.
Unveiled at Tower Hill in London last November, the statue was later relocated to The Hub, an art centre in Sebbie’s hometown of Lichfield. However, the art centre could no longer accommodate the statue, putting it at risk of being melted down.
In response, entrepreneur Oliver Chapman, founder of OCI Group and supporter of Sebbie’s charity, launched a national campaign to find a new permanent home for the statue. Chapman arranged for the statue to be temporarily stored, but the courier company tasked with moving the 6ft, 120kg statue struggled with the task.
Residents of Lichfield, learning of the predicament, rallied to assist. People from the local market helped lift the statue onto a transit van, ensuring its safe removal from The Hub.
Ashley, a Lichfield resident, expressed her gratitude, noting, “The couriers couldn’t move the statue alone and it seemed it would be left behind. Then, market people came to help. It was amazing. Sebbie’s statue finally left the building!”
“This act of kindness from Lichfield residents embodies the mission of the Sebbie Hall Kindness Foundation. Sebbie was thrilled, and I am deeply thankful to the people of Lichfield and Oliver Chapman for their timely intervention.”
Several organisations, including a train station and an office space provider, offered to house the statue but lacked suitable indoor space. Chapman appreciated the community’s effort, stating, ‘The unity of Lichfield residents was touching. The statue is a symbol of hope for disabled youth worldwide and must be preserved. We have received genuine offers, but the search for a permanent indoor home continues. We remain hopeful.’
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Sebbie Hall?
Sebbie Hall is a 21-year-old honored for daily acts of kindness, despite having a rare chromosome anomaly.
Why was Sebbie Hall’s statue at risk?
The statue needed a new indoor venue and risked being melted down due to lack of space.
Who led the campaign to save the statue?
Entrepreneur Oliver Chapman led a nationwide campaign to find a new home for the statue.
How did the townsfolk help save the statue?
Dozens of individuals from Lichfield’s local market helped lift the statue onto a transit van.
Has the statue found a new permanent home?
No, the search for a new permanent indoor home for the statue is still ongoing.
