Healy leads fundraising for Best statue

Northern Ireland international David Healy is to head up a memorial trust for George Best.

The Leeds United star will be heavily involved in fund raising to pay for a life-size statue in Belfast city centre of the ex-Manchester United hero who died almost a year ago, aged 59.

After scoring a winning goal against England in a World Cup qualifier last year, and then a European championship hattrick against Spain nearly two months ago, Healy has become an idol for fans at Windsor Park.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast Pat McCarthy and Best’s sister Barbara McNarry invited him to become involved in the initiative last month, when he scored a winning goal against Latvia.

Healy said: “I am absolutely privileged and delighted to have been asked to be the champion of the memorial fund and had no hesitation whatsoever in agreeing to take part.

“Like every other football fan and player from this part of the world, George was my hero and to be associated with him in this way is an opportunity of a lifetime. I would urge the general public to support this memorial when it is launched next month.”

Belfast City Airport has already been named after Best and the Ulster Bank are about to launch commemorative £5 (€7.50) notes.

The memorial trust is to be launched on December 11.

There is also to be a special portrait which will hang in the council offices of Castlereagh council in east Belfast where Best was born.

Surplus money will go towards footballing schools of excellence which are being planned by the George Best Foundation.

A number of organisations have been working closely on the memorial project with the Best family, including the City Council, Castlereagh Borough Council, the Irish Football Association, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland, central government departments and the Northern Ireland Office.

Mr McCarthy said: “We felt that as David is now reaching iconic status as Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer and the most influential player to come from this part of the world since George, it would be right and fitting that he be asked to be champion. Everyone involved is delighted at his positive response.”

Ms McNarry said: “We did not want public money used for this project and believe the voluntary subscriptions from the general public is the best way forward as it means that people have a choice to contribute or not. The family is honoured and excited that George is to be honoured in this way.”