49-year old Alwyn Donnell has found a novel way to become a force for good during this time of adversity.
Whilst some have participated in the Run for Heroes 5K challenge and others have helped those most in need by donating to Foodbanks, ‘AL-4444’ has opted for a different approach. He has been raising money for teenage mental health charity Stem4 (https://stem4.org.uk/) by cycling 26 laps of his local Dundonald Park while dressed as a stormtrooper for the TwoPointSixChallenge – accruing a carefully social distancing crowd to watch his feat.
What was your inspiration?
I wanted to do something that would surprise people, make them laugh and have a bit of fun, hence I did the cycle dressed as a Stormtrooper! Always observing social distancing rules of course! As a family we are huge Star Wars fans and I had the Stormtrooper outfit lying around the house from my son’s Star Wars themed 6th Birthday party. I thought, why not put it on again after six years and help do something to benefit a local charity. It turned a few heads for sure! I have seen first hand how busy Stem4 has been during the Covid-19 lockdown, providing extra resources for young people to support their mental health during this difficult time. The work of charities like Stem4 is needed now more than ever, however a lot of their funding is compromised as fundraising events such as the London Marathon have been cancelled due to Covid-19. As a father with young teenagers I wanted to help a very worthy local charity.
How much have you raised?
So far [I have raised] £1,163 however I’m expecting some more donations and am hoping that figure will increase to £1700! Anyone can sponsor me here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=StormtrooperAL-4444&pageUrl=1.
Any future plans?
My wife would like me to put the suit away for a bit, I’ve been wearing it too much recently apparently! However, it +will be May 4th soon… Watch this space! May the 4th be with you!
