Actor Brian Cox is the latest Scottish silver screen legend to get behind an upcoming nationwide fundraiser from Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – better known as CHAS. The prolific Emmy Award winner, who has starred in recent comic book adaptations of Red and the X-Men franchise, donned his Game of Thrones shirt to make the pledge.
Following the success of Edinburgh’s Capital Sci-Fi Con – the pop culture, comic and movie convention which donates all profits to CHAS – the national charity wants you to ‘get your geek on’ for Geeky T-Shirt Weekend taking place on Friday, May 3rd (for those who like to dress down at work) and Saturday, May 4th (for those at play, looking for a way to celebrate what has become known as ‘Star Wars day’).
Whether you’re into Star Wars or Star Trek, DC or Marvel, Harry Potter or hairy Hobbits, Disney or Danzig, it couldn’t be easier to participate. CHAS is simply encouraging the public to show allegiance for their preferred science-fiction, fantasy cartoon and musical heroes by donning their favourite ‘geeky t-shirt’ on the day and donating £2 to the charity.
Adam Meldrum and Peter CapaldiSchools, workplaces and community groups who would like a pack to participate can contact the fundraising team by calling 0141 779 6180 or requesting one via support@chas.org.uk. Anyone wishing to donate online can do so via www.chas.org.uk.
Brian Cox said:
“Geeks have inherited the earth! Wear your favourite geeky t-shirt wherever you are on May the Fourth weekend and donate £2 to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland – look up chas.org.uk to pledge support and make a difference for the children and families who need it.”
“Every week, three children in Scotland die from a life-shortening condition. At present, CHAS can only reach one of those three. The reality can be stark for some families and CHAS are focused on helping find light and joy in their hour of need.
“The funds and awareness raised by Geeky T-Shirt Day will help them on their mission to reach every single baby, child and young person who needs them.”
Support has already come from Scottish actors Peter Capaldi and Billy Boyd. Capaldi, much-loved as the Twelfth Doctor Who, recently gave a full day of his time to meet well over 500 fans at Capital Sci-Fi Con, raising thousands of pounds for CHAS by donating 100% of proceeds raised from his autographs.
CHAS is the only charity in Scotland that provides hospice services for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions. The national charity offers palliative care and family respite via its two hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch.
The CHAS at Home service supports families in their own homes across the whole of Scotland and has teams working in communities and hospitals across the country. In addition, the charity supports families and clinical teams with a network of Diana Children’s Nurses.