PLANS for a statue honouring a former rugby player who raised more than £1.5million to support over 100 families to help others going through a similar diagnosis as him have been revealed.
A fundraiser has been set up to install a piece in memory of Matt Gallagher, who died in March.
The group want to raise £16,000 for a bronze statue of Matt which will be created by sculptor Paul Kennedy, which will be installed at Solihull School.
So far almost £6,000 has been raised – and any additional funds beyond the target amount set to be donated to the foundation.
Writing on the fundraising page Schultzy and Mick said: “Now that our much-loved friend Matt has been laid to rest, we are ready to move forward with the commissioning of the bronze statue that will be erected in his honour. “Lisa and the family have chosen a truly fitting photograph of Matt to serve as the inspiration for the sculpture.
“The statue is intended to be placed within the sports complex at Solihull School – an especially meaningful location where Matt studied, coached, and left a lasting and deeply valued impact on the community.
“This memorial will stand as a lasting tribute, ensuring that for generations to come Matt’s stoicism, fortitude, strength of character and selflessness are remembered with great fondness and respect.”
Matt, who lived in Solihull, and his family set up the Matt Gallagher Foundation after he was diagnosed with MND in October 2023.
Since the launch of the Foundation the Solihull community came together in his name to raise funds.
This included charity cricket match, an annual ball, a 3km run, a burpee world record attempt and his former school – Solihull School – dedicated its annual Charity Week to the fund.
The fundraising campaign has continued following his death.
Last month four runners took on the London Marathon to raise funds for the Foundation.
Matt began playing at Solihull Rugby Club at the age of five, going on to play for the Birmingham Bees’ first team by the age of 18.
He continued his career at Sheffield Hallam, where he won the British Polytechnic Cup twice, and Nottingham Rugby Club, playing in the Championship at the age of 20.
He then signed for Coventry RFC in 1996, playing more than 100 games for the team before leaving in 2001 – before concluding his rugby career at Birmingham and Solihull.
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