A STATUE to honour a beloved dog is set to be unveiled almost one year after its announcement.

Plans to create a bench and statue for Max the Miracle Dog were first shared back in August 2020, with a fundraiser launched to raise money for the bronze tribute to the world’s favourite Springer Spaniel.

The page, set up by Max's owner, Kerry Irving, raised more than £26,000 in just one day, allowing the plans to get off the ground.

And now, nine months on, a date has been set for the unveiling of the community-funded Max statue, with each and every fan of his being invited to the event on July 2.

The Honister Slate Mine bench and bronze statue, designed by talented sculptor, Kirsty Armstrong, will sit in Hope Park, at Keswick, allowing visitors to the town to have a sit and cuddle with the famous pooch, who has done so much for so many people.

And Keswick Town Councillor and deputy mayor, David Burns, is delighted the statue is almost ready, and said: "Max and Kerry have done awful lot of good work, which has led to the huge following they have got around the world.

"I think the statue is a fitting tribute to all that Max has done, and we're hoping for a really great opening ceremony for it – we are expecting a lot of people to turn up!"

He continued: "It's also very nice because any donations made will be going to the Hope Park Trust, which is responsible for maintaining the park.

"It's a brilliant place, and every donation is gratefully received, as they help it to remain brilliant."

Commenting on the statue’s home earlier this year, Kerry said: “Max’s statue will be sitting in Hope Park because so many people say he’s given them hope – it’s the perfect place for him, and I’m really grateful to the town council and the Hope Park trust for letting us put him there.

“It’s just incredible that our little boy is going to be turned into a statue that will be there for generations to see, and Max the Miracle Dog will be remembered for so many years to come.”

Max’s statue is well-deserved, after he was introduced to the world as a lifeline to Kerry, who adopted Max after a car accident in 2006 left him in excruciating pain, both physically and mentally.

The support dog gave his owner endless love and strength, and saw him through the most difficult time in his life – and has since gone on to raise £300,000 for charity.

With so much support from people across Cumbria, and the world, the generous funds covered the cost of the £15,000 bench and statue, with a further £11,000 donated to the People’s Dispensary for sick Animals (PDSA), ensuring each and every penny went to a worthy cause.

The statue’s unveiling will take place at 2pm, with social distancing in-place if required under government guidance.

To follow Max’s adventures, and keep up-to-date on the latest statue news, visit the Max Out in the Lake District Facebook page.