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Legend status and Walk of Fame plaque for Tony Foulds

Tony Foulds
Tony Foulds

This is in recognition of his long years of service to the Mi Amigo memorial in Endcliffe Park, which attracted global interest in the city and led to a memorable flypast watched by an audience of millions.

Councillor Julie Dore, leader of the council, said: “Many citizens from Sheffield make a significant impact at national and international level. Tony Foulds, with the help of BBC presenter Dan Walker, put Sheffield well and truly on the world map with a magnificent flypast organised by the US Airforce and Royal Air Force together with the council, BBC Breakfast, South Yorkshire Police and many others.

"We want to thank Tony and the many many others who are so passionate about our city and make Sheffield a great city."

The 22 February 2019 marked 75 years since the Mi Amigo disaster when 10 US airmen died when their B-17 bomber crashed at Endcliffe Park in Sheffield in 1944, while returning from a bombing raid on the continent.

Tony remembers witnessing the crash as an eight-year-old boy.  On the 22 September 1959, a memorial stone was laid on the exact site.  Mr Foulds has tended to the memorial for the past 60 years.

The flypast was inspired by, and is a tribute to, the incredible dedication of Tony Foulds.  In its appreciation the Council would like to honour him with a Sheffield Legend award.

Many citizens from Sheffield make a significant impact at national and international level, none more so than Tony Foulds, who with the help of Dan Walker, put Sheffield well and truly on the world map with a magnificent Flypast organised by the US Airforce and RAF.

The crew of the fated Mi Amigo The crew of the fated Mi Amigo

The 22 February 2019 marked 75 years since the Mi Amigo disaster when 10 US airmen died when their B-17 bomber crashed at Endcliffe Park in Sheffield in 1944, while returning from a bombing raid on the continent.

Tony Foulds, remembers witnessing the crash as an eight-year-old boy.  On the 22nd September 1959, a memorial stone was laid on the exact site.  Mr Foulds has tended to the memorial in the years ever since.

The story achieved global status on social media and on the 22 January, Mr Foulds was invited on to the BBC sofa where he was told that a flypast would take place on the 22 February to mark the 75th anniversary of the disaster.

The story of the Mi Amigo received coverage from all around the world - with media attending from CBS, ABC, Associated Press, Press Association, ITV and Sky.

The flypast was inspired by, and a tribute to, the incredible dedication of Tony Foulds.  In its appreciation the Council would like to honour him with a Sheffield Legend award.

Sheffield Legends honour those who have achieved national or international acclaim who come from the city. Their plaques are in front of the Town Hall and include actor Sean Bean, musicians Def Leppard and athlete Sebastian Coe.

A full list of Sheffield legends can be found here. Tony will be the 21st recipient of a star outside the town hall.