Mark Addy to unveil Gerald the Minster Cat of York sculpture

Gerald was renowned as the famous Minster Cat after he adopted the building and the neighbouring stoneyard and was regularly seen patrolling the area.

He was sadly found dead outside St Michael le Belfrey Church, next to the Minster, at the end of August last year, it's not known how he died.

In the hours that followed the announcement, his owner Justine Spencer, who lives near the famous cathedral, received messages from people across the globe and a campaign to immortalise him swiftly followed.

Hundreds of pounds was raised for the statue and soon after sculptor Anthony Bartyla, founder of The Raven And The Hare Stone Carving in York, was appointed.

Gerald makes some new friends

Artist Rob Martin got to work and now, months later, the beautiful tribute will be shown to the world for the first time - by no other than acting legend Mark Addy.

It will be a "special" moment for everyone, Justine said.

She explained: "I met Mark just once before at the Minster and he was really nice and approachable and when I was looking for someone to do this - because he's a known cat lover - I thought I'd try him first - and despite being really busy right now he immediately agreed.

"He's giving us his time whilst he's doing two projects.

"It's very special."

Made out of the same stone used for York Minster, the sculpture will be beamed out via live stream to local residents and tourists across the globe alike.

"It's such a relief because it's been going on quite a long time and lots of people have done a great deal of work and contributed a lot of money towards this," Justine said.

"It's weird because he'll be remembered way beyond any of us.

Photo taken by Lewis Outing

"From a personal point of view it's very touching to have that for him because he was a very loving cat and brought a lot of love and care to a great many people in York so it's very fitting that York have, in some way, given back to him and recognised the things he's done for them.

"He'd just climb up in their lap and, without having any language, it was a really meaningful interaction."

Describing Gerald's nature, she said: "From Gerald I learnt that he had this sixth sense or special ability but he would certainly be down to people that needed him at any given time. 

"I've been told lots of stories in lockdown when people were depressed he would help them by being there and stopping them being alone.

"He certainly had that magic about him."

You can watch the live stream via the 'Cathedral Cat Gerald of York' Facebook page or Instagram account @yorkminstercat.