Captain Tom mural created by Sunderland artist Frank Styles unveiled as thanks to NHS

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The legacy of national hero Captain Tom Moore will live on in a huge new mural by city artist Frank Styles.

The completed mural which shows the legend, who died in February this year after raising more than £30million for the NHS, in front of a rainbow of hope has been unveiled in the garden of Gospel Church in Pallion.

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Clearly visible from Pallion Road, just before the traffic lights, the artwork is in the shadow of Sunderland Royal Hospital where staff have worked at the frontline of the pandemic.

An anonymous patron commissioned Frank to create the piece on the gable end of a house adjacent to the church garden as a thank you to Sunderland’s NHS staff, while also honouring Captain Tom’s military background.

Bugler Scot Barrs plays the Last Post at the unveiling of the Sir Tom Moore mural Picture by FRANK REIDBugler Scot Barrs plays the Last Post at the unveiling of the Sir Tom Moore mural Picture by FRANK REID
Bugler Scot Barrs plays the Last Post at the unveiling of the Sir Tom Moore mural Picture by FRANK REID

Veterans and NHS workers were among those invited to the unveiling which featured the Sunderland Standard Bearers and a performance of The Last Post by bugler Scot Barrs of Royal Green Jackets.

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Wendy Page, business manager of Bridge View Medical Group at Southwick Health Centre, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to be able to make something so big look so realistic. It’s an incredible tribute to a man who has left a hell of a legacy.

"To watch every morning as the total he raised went up and up is something none of us will forget.”

Ger Fowler, of Veterans in Crisis, said Captain Tom, who fought for his country in the Second World War, is a true inspiration.

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Standard bearers march into position for the start of the unveiling of the Sir Tom Moore mural Picture by FRANK REIDStandard bearers march into position for the start of the unveiling of the Sir Tom Moore mural Picture by FRANK REID
Standard bearers march into position for the start of the unveiling of the Sir Tom Moore mural Picture by FRANK REID

He said: “Everyone in the country was in awe of Captain Tom. He’s a true inspiration who showed that, no matter what your age, you can still achieve something in life.

"This is a permanent reminder of the good he achieved. Not only can it be seen so clearly from the road, if anyone is feeling low they can come and sit in the church garden and look at the mural. I can’t think of a better way to thank the NHS.”

It’s the latest piece by street artist Frank whose striking murals can be seen across the city at locations such as The Times Inn in Southwick, The Golden Fleece in Silksworth and gable ends in Hendon as well as at Panns Bank.

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13 places you can see Frank Styles murals on your Lockdown walks
Standard bearers at the unveiling of the Sir Tom Moore mural Picture by FRANK REIDStandard bearers at the unveiling of the Sir Tom Moore mural Picture by FRANK REID
Standard bearers at the unveiling of the Sir Tom Moore mural Picture by FRANK REID

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