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Church Statue Smashed: Funeral Directors Step In
5 Jan
Summary
- A statue outside St Alphonsus Church in Middlesbrough was vandalized.
- Local funeral directors offered to fund the statue's complex repair.
- The statue, present since 1960, holds significant community memories.

A cherished statue of Our Lady, a fixture outside St Alphonsus Church in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough since 1960, was found vandalized on December 20. The damage was considerable, posing a significant challenge for restoration efforts. Fortunately, Relph's Funeral Services promptly reached out to the parish priest, Father John Idio, offering their full support.
The funeral directors committed to funding the complex repair and reinstallation of the statue. Father Idio expressed deep gratitude, noting the funeral home's graciousness in the wake of the incident. He emphasized the statue's role in the community's significant life events and its status as a valued part of North Ormesby.
Specialist stone masons have since begun assessing the fragments to commence urgent restoration work. Relph's Funeral Services acknowledged the immediate impact of the damage on the local community, underscoring the vital role places of worship play in providing comfort and reassurance.




