THE force is sure to be with a Stourbridge film-maker and cinema owner who is hosting a day of screenings of the latest Star Wars movie to help raise cash for charity.
Screenings of 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' will run throughout Saturday February 25 at The Mockingbird Cinema and Kitchen in Birmingham to help raise money for the cancer unit at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Film producer James Anderson Brown, co-owner of the cinema in Digbeth, has organised the event to celebrate the news that his wife Emma is now in remission after a battle with cervical cancer and to thank all those involved in her care.
The 40-year-old Star Wars fan from Pedmore said: “When my wife became seriously ill a year ago with cancer, everyday the term “hope” kept us going which seems to be at the core of the Star Wars films and resonates with hardcore fans like myself.
"She is now in remission and I could not think of a better way than a fundraising event around Star Wars to try thank all the amazing staff, nurses, consultants and all those who were so amazing in my wife’s personal care in the NHS. She was treated at New Cross and they were quite frankly amazing and deserve all the praise for what they do."
Emma (pictured below), a 39-year-old IT account manager, was diagnosed in March 2016 with cervical cancer and after 12 months of gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions she has been told she is in remission.
She and James are now looking forward to the celebratory fundraising event which will include appearances by Stormtroopers and much-loved Star Wars characters courtesy of the 501st UK Garrison costume group who will be attending between midday and 2pm, plus John Williams' music in the bar and a charity raffle with Star Wars prizes.
James said: "The support so far has been overwhelming. The entire day will be filled with the Force. The 501st UK Garrison have amazingly agreed to attend the event.
"The Custard Factory have also been sensational in making this happen, with Disney so graciously allowing us to screen the film for charity and make this event happen for a great cause.
"The day is family friendly so I really hope to see fans old and new come along and have a great time.”
Rogue One will be screened at 2pm, 5pm and 8pm.
Tickets, priced £5.95, are available from www.mockingbirdcinema.com or contact the Mockingbird at The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, on 0121 224 7456 or email boxoffice@mockingbirdcinema.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here