Rob McNaught, a regular PlayWise supporter is raising funds for PlayWise - as Darth Vader!
He says....
"Star Wars has always been a passion of mine - Darth Vader in particular. So I am using this as an opportunity to raise money for an organisation I support regularly and believe in. PlayWise is a local charitable organisation that supports young disabled children and their families - at Christmas I am their Santa so why not be Darth for May 4th. By chance I had a conversation with a colleague at work who mentioned the 501st Charity group as he knew I had a passion for Star Wars. Armed with research on the 501st Legion and knowledge I wanted to raise money for Playwise I began to focus on May the 4th as that date is synonymous with Star wars, as “May the 4th” has been born from “May the force be with you” from the films"
So why Darth Vader given that it is one of the most difficult costumes to get right. Well I could easily say I like a challenge but that would not be the truth behind the decision, although it has taken me 3 years to get to this point. At six foot 3 inches I am only 2 inches shorter than the actor David Powell who was also a bodybuilder back in his time. I am an ex rugby player so I can fill out the costume reasonably well and in a way I would be too big to be a stormtrooper. With all that aside the real reason why Darth Vader out of the whole universe of Star wars characters is due to my own childhood memory. I was able to meet David Powell in his Empire Strikes Back Darth Vader costume and ever since that day Darth Vader has been an enduring and fond memory to me.
To be able to share this cherished childhood memory with other children and bring them the same joy is at the heart of my approach. Knowing that afterwards any funds that can be raised will support children and families in need makes it even more special as this will have an impact even when the costume is stored away.
You can follow Rob - AKA Darth on May 4th at Tilgate Cricket Club in Crawley, as he transforms himself into Darth and from there he will travel back to Leatherhead where he will pick up a supporter (aka his lovely wife) to assist with the next stage. This would be to travel from Leatherhead to Leicester Square, spend a bit of time in the Lego store then head back. For a small donation you can even have your photo taken with him!
