May the fourth be with CHAS!

Star Wars legend Ewan McGregor is the first silver screen hero to get behind an imminent nationwide appeal for CHAS.

A long-time friend to the charity, the iconic Perth born actor – who is soon to reprise his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in an upcoming spinoff – proudly donned a Scotland shirt (in the Star Wars font, naturally) to make a heartfelt plea to fans and CHAS followers. The video can be viewed via YouTube.

As part of our new ‘Share Your Joy’ campaign, on Monday, May the Fourth, CHAS are encouraging the public to show allegiance to their favourite science-fiction, fantasy, cartoon or musical hero and by virtue the charity itself, by digging out their favourite ‘geeky t-shirt’ to wear on the day. We know that thousands of supporters around the country have a CHAS shirt in the cupboard from a past or postponed event – we ask them all to wear it with pride!

In order to help support the ongoing physical and new virtual hospice services provided to CHAS families, who are dealing with the most difficult of circumstances at the most impossible of times, participants are encouraged to share their efforts online and donate just £3 by texting ‘Geeky 3’ to 70450, if they’re feeling charitable. Anyone wishing to donate online can do so at www.justgiving.com/campaign/geeky2020.

To get involved with the fun on the day, participants can follow the Geeky T-Shirt Day event and the Big Geeky Quiz on Facebook.

Ewan McGregor said: “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. 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.

“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.

“So, if you have the time, please join me by wearing your favourite geeky t-shirt on May the 4th. Follow @SupportCHAS, post your pictures, and use the hashtag #Maythe4thBeWithCHAS.

“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.

“Ewan’s visits to our hospices are legendary, particularly the time he rolled up to Rachel House with his dad on their motorbikes. He also cut the first turf when Robin House was being built, alongside Sharleen Spiteri, so there’s a lovely, long-lasting and meaningful connection for us.

“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.

“We would also encourage people to join us on Facebook Live for our Big Geeky Quiz, which will feature questions posed by various famous faces, voices and fans from the worlds of science fiction, fantasy and Disney.

Now in its third year, support for last year’s ‘Geeky T-Shirt’ day came from a trio of Scottish greats: Peter Capaldi, Brian Cox and Billy Boyd. The funds and awareness raised by the online event will help CHAS on its mission to reach every single baby, child and young person who needs them, despite the current situation.

Like many other charities left reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, CHAS has had to dramatically transform the way in which it provides its increasingly important services. They have set up Scotland’s first ever virtual hospice to support children and families who are having to completely self-isolate.

The virtual hospice is now four weeks in, offering families extensive support, whether it relates to clinical guidance, financial advice or bereavement support, by video and phone. CHAS family support teams are also offering an expanding range of interactive activities, art clubs, storytelling and conference calls to children and parents, with more in the pipeline.

Although stringent measures are in currently place to safeguard families, those needing urgent physical and end of life care are still welcome at the hospice, where staff work tirelessly to provide children with the palliative assistance they need. One last time, we ask you to be with CHAS on May the Fourth.