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Liz immortalised for bravery
Iraq war veteran Liz Taylor, who suffers from a terminal brain tumour, has been immortalised forever by sculptor Stewart Murdoch.
Together with 20 other former servicemen and women, Liz’s sculpture was unveiled last Wednesday (October 17) in Trafalgar Square.
The commission is part of an effort by Bell’s Whiskey to raise £1million for the Help For Heroes Charity, which Liz, who has been given a year to live, supports.
She said: “The statues were all lovely, I had thought they were going to be lumps and bumps and everything but the way they were done was excellent.
“I was the only RAF person there all the others were Army and Navy guys and they were all lovely and we all got treated very well.”
“I felt proud to think I’m here and hope that people will realise the facts of what we have all been through.”
The former military police investigator added: “Some of the lads went through so much more than me, like losing limbs in Afghanistan.”
Earlier this year the Times & Citizen reported how Liz, who served in Iraq with the Royal Air Force in 2003 and 2006, walked 24-miles along Hadrian’s Wall to raise money for the Bedford Daycare Hospice which she attends every week.
Liz had planned to take on a charity challenge in China but was forced to pull out because of her tumour diagnosis. But now her condition is more stable she is hoping to rise to the challenge again in April to raise money for Help For Heroes.
She said: “My health is not too bad and I have to say I’m kind of doing ok.
“I get some days here and there and I get nose bleeds and things like that but I still want to do the China trek in April. I never do what I’m told anyway.”
She added: “I’m going to try and do one day fundraising trips first and work my way up to it. I just have to keep positive and keep myself out of trouble.”
Throughout her military career Liz provided security for the Royal Family and high profile politicians. She then went on to serve in the Falklands Islands, the Gulf and Iraq. Later, in recognition of 18 years of exemplary service, Liz was decorated with the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.
Just before returning to Iraq for the second time, Liz had a fall, suffering a head injury and concussion. She continued her training and went on to serve her second tour in the country while suffering severe headaches. But on her return, she was discharged on medical grounds.
The Trafalgar Square event saw Stuart Murdoch unveil his statues which are designed to capture the greatness of character and determination of each individual to rebuild their lives after injury.
To find out more about Help For Heroes visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk
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Friday 24 May 2013
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