Our Green Patron, Caroline Lucas has recently stood down from her service as a member of Parliament. We thank her for her devoted service to our city and wish her a very happy retirement.

We know our Patrons will defend the rights of women and girls, inspired in part by Mary Clarke and the long struggle of the suffragist movement – as well as similar movements for democracy and civil rights. We hope all candidates will do the same.

Note that the Mary Clarke Statue Appeal has cross party support and no party-political affiliation.

We are delighted that the best selling author Peter James has agreed to serve as a Patron and has made a generous donation.

Peter James is best known for his Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, now a hugely popular ITV drama starring John Simm. Much loved by crime and thriller fans for his fast-paced page-turners full of unexpected plot twists and accurate portrayal of modern-day policing, he has won over forty awards for his work including the WHSmith Best Crime Author of All Time Award and Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger. 

To date, Peter has written an impressive total of nineteen Sunday Times Number ones, sold over twenty one million copies worldwide and been translated into thirty eight languages. His books are also often adapted for the stage, the most recent being Looking Good Dead. He has donated £1000 to the Appeal.

Peter James said:

“Mary Clarke was an extraordinary woman who fought tirelessly to support votes for women. She was a determined campaigner who never gave up and sadly became the first woman to die for such an important cause. This statue is such a significant recognition for all she set in motion, both for Brighton and for women’s rights throughout the world, and I am delighted to be supporting it .”

Jean Calder, Chair of the Appeal, said:

“ We are so grateful to Peter James for his support and his generosity, as well as to our other wonderful Patrons. We are hoping Peter’s support and generosity will encourage others to give. Our current target is £35,000, which we hope very much to raise by the end of next year. We are also seeking corporate sponsors and hope that Peter James’ involvement will encourage this. Donations to the Appeal can be made via the website maryclarkestatue.com.”