An urgent fundraising campaign has been launched to save Portsmouth's iconic Yomper statue, which is suffering from severe bronze disease caused by decades of exposure to coastal weather conditions. The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) and Royal Marines veteran volunteers are calling on the public to help preserve the unique 18-foot bronze tribute to Falklands Royal Marines, which stands outside the former Royal Marines Museum at Eastney Barracks overlooking the Solent.

After more than three decades of facing salt-laden winds, driving rain, and intense sunlight, the Yomper is experiencing bronze disease—a form of active corrosion that occurs when chlorides from sea salt react with bronze in the presence of moisture and air. If left untreated, this condition 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 urgently needed to halt the corrosion, stabilize the surface, and protect the Yomper for future generations.

The NMRN and the Royal Marines Association (Portsmouth) are launching their appeal through the Big Give Christmas Challenge, where all online donations made between December 2 and 9, 2025, will be doubled at no extra cost to donors. Organizers emphasize that this campaign is about more than maintaining a statue—it's 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 organizers stress that additional funds will extend the statue's protection period.

"The Yomper statue stands as a timeless reminder of courage, grit, endurance, and unbreakable spirit of those who served in the Falklands War," said Matthew Sheldon, CEO of NMRN. "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, the statue 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, described the statue as "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 serves as more than just a landmark—it functions as the gateway into the Royal Marines Memorial Garden. Royal Marine veteran Peter Mawer, who served in the Falklands War, explained the personal significance of the site: "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."

Mawer continued, "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." The veteran emphasized that remembrance occurs not only on parade days but every time visitors walk the memorial paths.

The dedicated project fund established by the NMRN will care for the Yomper and support the Royal Marines Association Portsmouth in maintaining the flag. As a charity, the museum relies on public donations to fund this essential work. Specific donation amounts will cover various conservation needs: $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 ensures the Union Jack can be replaced annually for five years, $3,190 can fund specialist treatment by a professional conservator, and $3,360 can fund a comprehensive seven-day deep cleaning each year for four years.

The campaign has garnered significant support from major organizations. Mel Coles, head of communications at Lockheed Martin UK Rotary and Mission Systems, stated: "Preserving the Yomper statue matters because it honors 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 his support: "Portsmouth City Council 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." The preservation effort represents a collaborative approach to maintaining this significant piece of military heritage for future generations.