It is a legacy in the area where he lived and was loved
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11:35, 20 APR 2026
Updated14:03, 20 APR 2026
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A stunning new mural to a Nuneaton warrior is a ‘huge reminder of whose hearts he touched. Anyone who has travelled through Attleborough would have noticed a brightly coloured mural on the wall of the Attleborough Liberal Club.
It is a tribute to Eliot Boland, known to many as Billy. After fighting cancer with incredible courage for the past three years and undergoing extensive treatment, the Liverpool FC fan was told there is no further treatment available but bravely fought on.
Sadly he lost his battle earlier this year, leaving his family and friends devastated.
But the community which he was such a large part of came together to produce a tribute wall in his memory so they have a place to go where they can remember ‘Our Billy’ and they have a place to go that helps them feel closer to him.
Ann Boland, Eliot’s mum, explained why the mural is such a perfect tribute to her son. “Eliot has always had a passion for the great outdoors himself and his brother Lance were inseparable,” she explained.
“Music has always played a big part and in his life he played the big base drum in the army cadets. He then found a love for growing vegetables and the science behind it. Just like learning about the ways of life in all the countries, the language and the history.
“Five and a half-years ago he was diagnosed with lymphoma, a battle which claimed him the nickname, warrior, as he has fought it with all of his family and friends.
“The support he received has been totally overwhelming, the perfect gentleman who always had a smile on his face. as family we cannot express enough of our appreciation and deepest heartfelt thankyous for everyone’s support.”
At the official unveiling, she added: “This mural will be a huge reminder of whose hearts he touched and I want to thank all who have been involved.”
James Bennett, founder of the Reel People community group, who helped to organise the mural explained how it came about.
Ian Davidson, one of Eliot’s best friends, and Brian Horsley of the hugely popular Smoke Bloke decided that he deserved a professional fitting tribute, one created by one of the country’s top street artists.
“They reached out to me and through the new Hip Hop Healing scheme we were able to arrange the wall, which was eventually sprayed by legendary local artist Mig 29 murals, who has done a fantastic job.”
“There may be many more pieces of street are popping up around the Attelborough Green area soon. Eliot‘s wall has definitely inspired some of the local people and there is potentially some new projects on their horizon..”
Eliot’s mum Ann added: “My son touched a lot of people’s hearts. He was just just like a BFG, a big friendly giant, because he was so tall. And he was always so happy right up to his final day. He always had a smile on his face and he fought and fought and fought.”
She added: “My husband and I are just absolutely overwhelmed with the support and the love and his brothers Lance, Ashley and Sam feel the same too.”
Legacy memorial wallEliot’s wife Jenna thanked Brian Horsley, Ian Davidson and James Bennett for organising the mural on the side of Attleborough Liberal Club. Image courtesy of John Bray.1 of 5Share
Legacy memorial wall
Eliot’s wife Jenna thanked Brian Horsley, Ian Davidson and James Bennett for organising the mural on the side of Attleborough Liberal Club. Image courtesy of John Bray.
Legacy memorial wallEliot’s mum Ann said that they had been overwhelmed by the support they received following their loss. Image courtesy of John Bray.2 of 5Share
Legacy memorial wall
Eliot’s mum Ann said that they had been overwhelmed by the support they received following their loss. Image courtesy of John Bray.
Legacy memorial wallEliot’s mum and dad, Mark and Ann, were joined at the unveiling by his brothers Ashley and Lance with nephew Rio. Image courtesy of John Bray.3 of 5Share
Legacy memorial wall
Eliot’s mum and dad, Mark and Ann, were joined at the unveiling by his brothers Ashley and Lance with nephew Rio. Image courtesy of John Bray.
Legacy memorial wallMig 29 murals created the special tribute Image courtesy of John Bray.4 of 5Share
Legacy memorial wall
Mig 29 murals created the special tribute Image courtesy of John Bray.
Legacy memorial wallThe community came together for the official unveiling of the memorial wall. Image courtesy of John Bray. (Image: Image courtesy of John Bray)5 of 5Share
Legacy memorial wall
The community came together for the official unveiling of the memorial wall. Image courtesy of John Bray.
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