FIVE MINUTES WITH

the abu Dhabi-based Star Wars fanatic is a member of worldwide fanclub the 501st Legion When Abu Dhabi snagged a starring role as the planet Jakku in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, you knew it was going to big. so big in fact, that it would become the third highest grossing film of all time.

But for people like Abu Dhabi resident Grant Dyson, the obsession for the franchise didn’t start two years ago – it’s been a love affair for 40 years. “Like a lot of kids born in the ’70s, I became a fan and was introduced to the films by way of the original Kenner action figures when I was six.”

In 2013 Dyson’s young daughter required surgery and saw the family spend time in paediatric hospitals abroad. “After she recovered, it gave me time to consider how brave the children in these hospitals were and what kind of contribution I could make individually. It was around that time I became aware of the 501st Legion.”

A global institution of volunteer Star Wars costume enthusiasts, the 501st Legion sees its 11,000 members worldwide dress up for charity work and special events.

The uAe outpost has 12 members from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai and has participated in a number of big gigs here in the uAe, including the Force Awakens film premiere at emirates Palace and last month’s comic con in Dubai, where they raised funds for children’s charity Dubai cares. While it’s free to join, entry requirements are strict and costumes have to be up to scratch for membership.

Dyson has two costumes, including an Imperial officer, which he managed to get tailored here in the capital, as well as a sandtrooper outfit (he’s TD-27090) he got custom made from uK outfitters Rs Prop masters.

The outpost features a mixture of nationalities including saudi, British, Australian, German, emirati and mexican members. “There’s a strong nostalgic feeling that members of the legion don’t always communicate to each other, I suppose in a way, it is recreating our childhood,” explains Dyson “and just a general level of geekiness.”

“It’s been incredibly satisfying being able to suit up as one of my favourite childhood characters while knowing my efforts can help support and bring smiles to sick kids.” facebook.com/UAEOutpost