"Timeless reminder of courage and grit" - Urgent appeal to save iconic Yomper which is suffering from corrosion

The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) and Royal Marines veteran volunteers are calling on the public to help protect the unique tribute to Falklands Royal Marines, with the 18-foot bronze statue standing outside the former Royal Marines Museum at Eastney Barracks and looking out across the Solent.

After more than three decades facing salt-laden winds, driving rain and intense sun, the Yomper is suffering from bronze disease, a form of active corrosion that happens when chlorides from sea salt react with bronze in the presence of moisture and air. Left untreated, it can cause pitting, flaking, and ultimately structural damage to bronze sculptures.

Conservators from the NMRN have assessed the statue and confirmed that specialist treatment is now needed to halt the corrosion, stabilise the surface, and protect the Yomper for future generations.

The NMRN and the Royal Marines Association (Portsmouth) are launching an urgent appeal to save Southsea’s Yomper statue, with all online donations made through the Big Give Christmas Challenge between December 2 and 9 2025 being doubled at no extra cost to the public. It said the call to action ‘is about more than maintaining a statue, it is about safeguarding a national symbol of Royal Marines history’.

Thanks to generous early support, the appeal reached the minimum Big Give Christmas Challenge target on the first day of the campaign. But organisers say that the more money they raise the longer the Yomper will be protected – every donation will go directly into a dedicated fund for the Yomper’s long-term care and the flag it flies.

Matthew Sheldon, CEO of NMRN said: “The Yomper statue stands as a timeless reminder of courage, grit, endurance, and unbreakable spirit of those who served in the Falklands War. This is why we are taking these steps to safeguard the Yomper - it represents a defining moment in the modern history of both the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy.”

Sculpted by Philip Jackson and unveiled in 1992, it is based on Royal Marine Corporal Peter Robinson of 45 Commando, captured in the famous image of Marines yomping across East Falkland during the 1982 conflict.

Andy Williams, Secretary to the Portsmouth branch of the Royal Marines Association said: “The Iconic Yomper, is a vision of hope trust, determination and success. An image of a Royal Marine determined to complete his mission. The embodiment of the Yomper is burned deep in the heart and soul of many generations of Royal Marines.”

For veterans, families, and visitors, the Yomper the statue is more than a landmark it is the gateway into the Royal Marines Memorial Garden.

Royal Marine veteran, Peter Mawer, who served in the Falklands War said: “I come here to pay my respects to the guys, many of whom I knew. This isn’t just a memorial garden; the ashes of former Royal Marines are part of the soil itself. Three rose gardens here hold the ashes of men who served before us, and we say hello to them whenever we come down. We remember them not only on parade days, but every time we walk these paths.

“There are people that are commemorated on the Falklands memorial who were friends of mine. So, for me, it's quite a moving thing. I look at it as a duty. It's my responsibility to carry this on.”

What will the donations pay for?

The dedicated project fund is being established by the NMRN to care for the Yomper and to support the Royal Marines Association Portsmouth to keep the flag flying. As a charity, the museum needs donations from the public to help fund this work.

• £1,000 can fund twice-yearly conservation monitoring visits for five years.
• £1,600 can cover materials to remove active bronze disease and apply protective wax.
• £1,700 means the Union Jack can be replaced every year for the next five years.
• £3,190 can fund specialist treatment by a professional conservator.
• £3,360 can fund a full seven day deep clean each year for four years.

The campaign is being supported by Lockheed Martin and Portsmouth City Council.

Mel Coles, head of communications at Lockheed Martin UK – Rotary and Mission Systems, said: “Preserving the Yomper statue matters because it honours the courage and sacrifice of Royal Marines who paved the way for the freedoms we defend today. As a company rooted in supporting our nation’s security, we believe safeguarding this monument ensures future generations understand the cost of peace and the legacy of those who served.”

Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, added: “PCC is delighted to support NMRN and the Royal Marines Association (Portsmouth) as they seek to preserve the Yomper and safeguard the collective memory of those who served. It is important that we ensure future generations understand the enduring ethos of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and their connection to Portsmouth – a proud naval city."

To donate visit: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000005A3hjYAC