Sir David backs Penguin Parade

TV naturalist praises schoolgirl’s artwork

Sir David Attenborough has lent his backing to the Maggie’s Penguin Parade after a Tayside schoolgirl got in touch.

After pledging to sponsor one of the 80 giant penguin sculptures that will form the summer charity trail, Dundee High School ran a competition to come up with a design to bring it to life.

The pupil who won – 13-year-old Rebecca Hamilton from Meigle – was inspired by the wildlife documentary TV series Blue Planet II, presented and narrated by Sir David.

Subsequently, she wrote to the legendary naturalist to tell him about her design and the Penguin Parade...and was flabbergasted when he sent a letter back. It stated: “Dear Rebecca. I am very impressed by your penguin designs and delighted to hear that they were inspired by watching Blue Planet II.

“How fabulous that they were chosen for the sculptures and for such a worthy cause. Congratulations and thank you for writing to let me know. With best wishes, David Attenborough.”

S2 pupil Rebecca, a massive fan of Sir David’s nature programmes, said: “I was very excited to receive the letter as I didn’t expect a reply.

“I felt honoured as I know he’s very busy. It was very nice of him to take the time to read my letter and respond.”

After watching Blue Planet II, Rebecca wanted to raise awareness about plastic polluting the world’s seas. She hopes her design will show the “good side and the bad side” of the sea.

“I hope they like the design but can also take away a deeper message about pollution in our seas and oceans,” she added.

Rebecca’s winning design is being painted on to the blank statue by S6 pupils Morven Wright, Joanna Brunton and Lily Bircham and will then join 79 other statues on display in the Penguin Parade. On June 29, 80 giant penguin statues will waddle into Dundee, Angus, Perth and Fife for the start of the Maggie’s Penguin Parade – the summer trail which aims to raise enough money to fund the Dundee cancer care centre for a year.

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Rebecca Hamilton with her letter from Sir David and some of her fellow pupils.

Sir David Attenborough.