The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Prime Minister backs Maggie’s Penguin Parade charity drive
May takes to Twitter to urge people to take part in challenge
Prime Minister Theresa May has announced her support for the Maggie’s Penguin Parade.
Mrs May retweeted a picture of Angus MP Kirstene Hair beside a penguin in Brechin and gave the drive her backing and urged people to support the cause.
A colony of 80 colourful giant penguin sculptures can be found across the city of Dundee and also as far afield as Brechin, Perth and St Andrews.
Artists and designers from across Tayside have transformed original models designed by Duncan of Jordanstone lecturer Janice Aitken for the summer project.
The statues are proving very popular with locals and visitors alike, and will be auctioned off in September to raise funds for Maggie’s Dundee which provides free practical, social and emotional support for people with cancer and their families and friends.
The prime minister’s message said: “@Kirstene4Angus is a passionate advocate for @maggiespenguins – who provide free practical and emotional support to people with cancer. Do support them if you can!”
Ms Hair welcomed the prime minister’s public backing for the Maggie’s parade.
She said: “I am delighted that the prime minister has lent her support to the fantastic Maggie’s Penguin Parade.
“These sculptures have proven extremely popular with everybody around Tayside – visitors and locals alike. The service provided by Maggie’s Centre at Ninewells is truly invaluable for cancer patients and their families and friends.
“I am sure that organisers will appreciate the extra exposure and the endorsement from Downing Street.”
But Mrs May’s tweet prompted a backlash from furious critics of her Tory government, with some using it as an opportunity to attack her policies.
The Dundee Maggie’s facility is built in the grounds of Ninewells Hospital, and was designed by Frank Gehry. It costs £540,000 a year to run. The project – which aims to raise vital funds for Maggie’s Dundee – challenges people to find all 80 penguin sculptures dotted throughout Dundee, Angus, Perthshire and Fife.
“Iam delighted that the prime minister has lent her support. MP KIRSTENE HAIR
Visitors and locals alike have been going over head over heels for Dundee’s designer penguins. Now it turns out the penguin parade has no lesser fan than the premier herself, Theresa May.
The PM took a break from the small matter of running the country to stick her beak in to local affairs. Praising the parade, she urged people to get involved. At least it allowed herself brief respite from the question of waddle she do next over Brexit...