A MEMORIAL sculpture is being built to remember former SAS soldier John McAleese.

The Scottish soldier joined the SAS in 1975 serving in Pagoda Troop, 'B' Squadron, 22 SAS Regiment.

Mr McAleese was part of the 1980 storming of the Iranian Embassy in London and won a military medal for gallantry in action at the Loughgall ambush in County Armagh.

Mr McAleese, died in 2011 after suffering a heart attack in Greece aged 62.

Former soldiers joined family members and hundreds of mourners in remembering the trooper at an emotional funeral service at Hereford Cathedral.

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The Ancre Somme Association Scotland Charity have commissioned sculptor Helen Runciman to make 100 miniature and one full size sculpture (from the chest up) of Mr McAleese which is now being produced.

The full size sculpture is due to be unveiled in August 2021 in Laurieston, Falkirk.

ASA Scotland secretary Tommy Davidson is appealing to people and businesses in Hereford to support their memorial campaign.

"I understand John was a well known face in Hereford at the time he was in the SAS," said Mr Davidson.

“So far we have managed to raise £17,440 but we have a long way to go.

“The memorial is for the family of John McAleese MM and to remember the brave Special Air Service who rescued 19 hostages 41 years ago.

"When it happened John was one of the main characters and I know people in Hereford had a lot of time for him.

"The memorial will also remember the significant sacrifices members of the SAS have made for us."

To donate contact email: info@asascotland.org.uk.