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Sir Captain Tom Moore statue moves into permanent home in Chapel Allerton
The statue was donated to Leeds Hospitals Charity by sculptor Andrian Melka, who raised over £32,000 through online crowdfunding to bring this project to life.
After spending a few months on a detour to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the Captain Tom Moore statue has finally made its way to its permanent home in Leeds.
Located outside the entrance of the Chapel Allerton hospital, the bronze status has been months in the making.
The statue was donated to Leeds Hospitals Charity by sculptor Andrian Melka, who raised over £32,000 through online crowdfunding to bring this project to life.
Over 250 donations paid for the work to be completed and by late 2021, the statue was ready to show the public and now remains a symbol of hope for patients and staff at the hospital.
Located at the newly refurbished courtyard garden at Leeds Chapel Allerton Hospital, the statue is likely to be seen by patients who may have to stay in hospital for many months undergoing lengthy and intensive rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury, long-term neurological conditions or following a stroke.
Artist Andrian says "It’s hoped that the gardens will be a calming space for rest and relaxation and that the statue of the 100-year-old war veteran determinedly walking laps of his garden on his walking frame will inspire patients on their own difficult road to recovery."
Image: Crowdfunder
According to Leeds Hospital Charity, "Thanks to Captain Sir Tom’s fundraising efforts, raising over £38 million for NHS Charities Together, Leeds Hospitals Charity benefitted from £600,000 in funding."
Artists Andrian hopes that the statue will inspire others visiting the hospital and told Leeds Hospital Charity:
“Captain Tom inspired so many people during the pandemic, not only with his incredible fundraising for the NHS but with his positive outlook and desire to be of service to others.
"Even at the age of 99, when most people would be sitting back, he wanted to do what he could to help others and to contribute.”
A Leeds pilates studio loved by many has suddenly announced its shock closure.
Outskultped is a fitness studio specialising in reformer pilates based in Leeds city centre.
As one of the first in the city to offer the the pilates practice over two years ago, it quickly built a loyal following of those looking to get in on the trend.
Since then, a flurry of studios have opened in the city which unfortunately means Reform by Outskulpted is closing their doors for good.
The team issued a heartbreaking statement to Instagram, which says: "We cannot believe we are writing this.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Reform by Outskulpted. The studio will host the last classes on September 12th 2026.
"We understand that this is probably unexpected and feels like a quick turnaround, this decision has not been made lightly between us and we do wish there was another way. We are so grateful for the 2.5 years that we have had at Reform.
"This was built by two girls in their twenties taking their first real risk in life and watching it blossom into a community of individuals has been nothing shy of incredibly to experience.
"We will always be so proud of ourselves for bringing Reformer Pilates to the community of Leeds and seeing it become such a pivotal part of so many routines."
It continued: "The fitness space and Pilates industry is evolving at a rapid rate and unfortunately we are unable to maintain the same speed.
"We began this journey with a £20,000 loan, self belief and our best friend on our side. We didn't have £100,000s backing us in case it didn't work out. It took hard work, resilience and determination in order to get Reform by Outskulpted to become a recognisable brand in Leeds."
A local man is about to sit in a bath tub in Leeds city centre for over 60 HOURS
Clementine Hall
Leeds’ City Square will welcome a crazy stunt this weekend all aid of a fantastic charity.
If you’re walking through town this weekend, then you may see something a little bit out of the ordinary. In fact, a lot out of the ordinary.
That’s because, fundraiser Chris Sylvester is on a mission to spread the word and beat the stigma around drug addiction.
He is the founder of Getting Clean, a fantastic company that make and sell soaps raising funds to support people struggling with addiction and homelessness.
Images: Getting Clean (Supplied)
This weekend, he has vowed to plonk himself in a bathtub in City Square and not move until he has reached the target of £50,000 from people buying the soap.
The event will kick off on Friday 7 August and will run to Sunday 9 August, members of the public are encouraged to "free him" by purchasing the lovely bars of soap.
Reaching the £50,000 sales target will then unlock a £20,000 donation to a recovery support project led by Forward Leeds, so it really is a good cause.
So, how can you support Chris? You can support the initiative by placing an order online, visiting Chris on City Square this weekend, or buying one of their pay-it-forward ‘First Day’ packs which are designed to help people leaving prison or entering rehabilitation treatment.
Announcing the stunt to social media, here's what Chris and Getting Clean had to say: "HELP US SELL £50,000 WORTH OF SOAP TO HELP BEAT ADDICTION
"On 7th, 8th and 9th August I will be at Leeds city square. Just outside of Leeds city centre train station, right next to Thors bar. I will be in this BATH TUB and I WILL NOT leave, until we’ve hit our target. 50% of our profits go towards tackling addiction right here in Leeds, but there’s so much work left to do…"
Sophie Smith -
25th February 2022 
