Hollywood actor Ewan McGregor donned a Star Wars-style Scotland top to launch a Tayside children’s charity’s latest global appeal.
The Crieff-born Trainspotting star – who is about to reprise his role as Obi Wan Kenobi – is urging fellow film fans to show their support for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as part of its May The Fourth campaign.
On Monday, the charity, which runs Rachel House in Kinross, wants the public to dig out their favourite “geeky” T-shirt and show support for the cause on social media.
The campaign will support the charity’s hospices, as well as the new virtual hospice that was introduced during lockdown. Participants are asked share photos of them in their T-shirts on social media – with #Maythe4thBeWithCHAS – and donate £3 by texting Geeky 3 to 70450.
The charity can also accept donations through the Geeky2020 page on the JustGiving website.
In a video posted from his home, McGregor tells viewers of his strong connections with CHAS.
His mum Carole was made an MBE for her support and work at Rachel House. Over the years, she has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the organisation.
“The families CHAS works with, who are often among some of society’s most vulnerable, need to know that Scotland stands with them in this time of crisis,” said McGregor. “Now, perhaps more than ever, we want a show of solidarity and a virtual Mexican wave for those families who receive the care and support only CHAS can provide.”
He said: “Your pledge can help CHAS continue to reach families in the physical and the virtual world, and keep building for tomorrow.
“Myself and my mum have been involved in CHAS and visited their hospices many times over the years. I know the warm welcome that Rachel and Robin House can offer; long may these wonderful places continue.”
The star added: “And please remember, until the coast is clear – stay home, stay safe. Let’s support the vulnerable and our keyworkers through this crisis by doing the sensible thing.”
Laura Campbell, community fundraising development manager at CHAS, said: “It means the world to have Ewan’s support, as well as the extended ‘geeky’ community, especially at an extraordinary time like this. What a lovely way to introduce fans to our family.”
She said: “Ewan’s visits to our hospices are legendary, particularly the time he rolled up to Rachel House with his dad on their motorbikes.
“We strongly believe that this is a moment in time when a bit of people power can make a serious difference to CHAS families. If we’ve learned anything recently it’s that time apart need never be time alone.
“This is as much a show of solidarity for them as it is a bit of light relief for anyone who needs it. We hope communities and families from all over the country can find a minute to get involved.”
