Vet and author's children call the statue “a very fitting tribute”
A statue of James Herriot has been unveiled in Yorkshire, to honour the world-renowned vet and author.
Under the pseudonym James Herriot, Alf Wight wrote books on the life of a country vet that inspired the hugely popular TV series All Creatures Great and Small.
Alf's son and daughter, Jim Wight and Rosie Page, said the statue is “a very fitting tribute”.
It was unveiled by the World of James Herriot, who raised the money for the work, at the James Herriot Hall on Saturday, October 4.
The ceremony also marked the launch of the James Herriot Statue and Legacy Fund, which aims to provide bursaries for those wishing to enter a career in animal welfare.
Jim and Rosie added: “This is a unique opportunity to develop a legacy to support young people who wish to become veterinary surgeons, or to pursue a career dedicated to animal welfare. Our father would be proud to be associated with this initiative.”
According to Ian Ashton, managing director of the World of James Herriot, the fund has already raised £30,000. The aim is to double this figure initially, to allow the first bursaries to be awarded.
The event was attended by Alf's family; Christopher Timothy, who played James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small; Jim Herriot, the former Birmingham City goalkeeper whose name Alf Wight used as a pseudonym; and Sean Hedges-Quinn, the statue's sculptor.
Image courtesy of the World of James Herriot
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
