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Dermot backs Love Jumbo Appeal
Star DJ and television presenter Dermot O’Leary has backed Colchester’s Love Jumbo Appeal, describing the landmark as: “Very dear to my heart”. He urged people to support the appeal – run by charity North Essex Heritage – if they can, and “be part of history”.
Broadcaster, actor, writer and producer, Dermot, who was born in Colchester, is well known for his television work, including hosting This Morning, and as a Radio Two DJ.
He said:
“Jumbo is very dear to my heart. Always standing proud, overlooking some of the favourite places from my youth in Colchester – The Hole In The Wall pub, The Mercury Theatre and not too far away from the legendary Arts Centre, where I spent many a fun evening.
“When I heard The National Lottery Heritage Fund had recognised the importance of our beloved Jumbo with a multi-million pound grant, I was thrilled. The idea that everyone will finally get a chance to enjoy the inside of Jumbo and celebrate Colchester’s heritage.
“Despite support from other funders, North Essex Heritage still needs money for The Jumbo Project. I hope people will support the Love Jumbo Appeal if they can and be part of history as this Victorian masterpiece is brought back to its full glory. I want to see this much-loved building, which saved lives in Colchester by supplying clean water for 100 years, once again play a crucial role for the city and beyond.
“A restored and repurposed Jumbo will be a huge asset to Colchester, offering a special place to meet, celebrate some amazing heritage and even host an event. It will also be a fun space for people to come together and enjoy spectacular views of this vibrant city.
“If you love Jumbo as much as I do, please consider supporting the Love Jumbo Appeal. Go to Jumbo.org.uk where you can donate, sponsor a brick or another part of the building or become a corporate supporter.”
Simon Hall MBE DL, Chair North Essex Heritage, the charity behind The Jumbo Project, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled by Dermot’s kind words about Jumbo and our Love Jumbo Appeal. It is very generous of him to support our charity in this way. We are delighted Jumbo brings back such happy memories of our wonderful city.”
“Thanks to the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, Colchester’s monumental Jumbo water tower will be conserved and adapted into a commercially viable and accessible visitor attraction and venue. We are protecting a symbol of Colchester’s astonishing industrial past and creating a powerful new space for its future, for culture, learning, events and community life.”
Supporters can show they Love Jumbo by donating here where they can also sponsor some of Jumbo’s 1.2m locally made bricks and receive a digital certificate. For a limited time, businesses can buy a private corporate tour tailored to their teams or guests.