The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Capaldi in thick of efforts to support Rachel House
FUNDRAISING: Actor spends hours signing autographs at Capital Sci-Fi Con
Former timelord Peter Capaldi has gone above and beyond to raise funds for Rachel House in Kinross.
The Scottish actor made an appearance at the 2019 Capital Sci-Fi Con in Edinburgh.
The three-day event, which featured a host of well-known faces from Star Wars and other science fiction classics, was organised to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, better known as Chas.
Capaldi, best known as the 12th incarnation of Doctor Who – as well as Malcolm Tucker from political satire The Thick of It – spent hours signing hundreds of autographs at the sci-fi extravaganza.
He stayed on for an extra hour, meeting about 500 fans and answering questions about his time-travelling adventures, and donated all proceeds from his autograph fees to Chas.
The actor – an accomplished musician and former member of punk band the Dreamboys with comedian Craig Ferguson – even treated conventiongoers to a rendition of David Bowie’s Star Man on guitar.
Other highlights at the weekend’s show included appearances from Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Warwick Davis, as well as fifth Doctor Who Peter Davison.
The family-friendly event, now in its fourth year, was organised by Keith Armour and his inspirational group of volunteer “causeplayers”.
Although the total is still being counted, the weekend looks set to shatter last year’s magnificent £74,000.
Laura Campbell, senior community fundraiser at Chas, praised Capaldi for his memorable turn at the show.
“He stayed an hour after the convention closed so he could continue to sign autographs and meet fans who had taken the time to queue to see him.
“And, not only that, he has chosen to donate his whole autograph fee to Chas.
“We’re so grateful for Peter’s incredible generosity, which will help us on our mission of reaching every family across Scotland who is facing the unimaginable, that their child is going to die.”
She added: “Keith and his team of causeplayers are a phenomenal group of fundraisers.
“Through their infectious passion for all things sci-fi and giving back to the community, over the years they have managed to raise over £187,000 for Chas.”
She said: “We can’t thank Keith and the causeplayers enough for their support.
“We simply couldn’t do the work we do without them and the rest of our passionate and committed supporters who are helping us on our mission of reaching every child in Scotland with a life-shortening condition.”
The Rachel House hospice offers families palliative care and respite. Chas also operates another hospice, Robin House at Balloch.