Local celebrity cat honoured with bronze statue in Ely
Garfield was well known at the local Sainsbury's store
Last updated 17th Oct 2023
A well known cat around Ely has been honoured with a new bronze statue.
Garfield, or 'Garfy', was a frequent face at the local Sainsbury's in Ely, and was often stroked by customers and staff.
He sadly died in 2019 after being hit by a car.
Almost £7000 has been raised to help fund the statue, which is in Ely Country park.
The bench next to the memorial reads 'In loving memory of Garfy. Sit and relax for a moment with me'.
Sculptor Sally Dunham said she was 'so proud' to have been invited to create the sculpture, and remembered seeing Garfy many times herself.
She was originally approached by a friend of the cat's owner to create the work 18 months ago.
The sculpture had to be approved by the council, before the park was decided as its best location due it being near to Garfy's old stomping ground.
The design was approved by owner David, working from photos of the beloved cat.
This was then taken to the foundry where they created a mould and then cast in bronze.
Sally told us Garfy was "loved and known by so many people of Ely and further afield.
"I think the story of Garfy resonates with people because our pets are such an important part of our lives.
"This sculpture with the bench next to it to sit and relax and reflect is for Garfy, but also all our much loved pets who are no longer with us."