Team Jedi News send our congratulations to Paul Dunne and Neil Livesey, the dynamic duo behind the excellent Star Wars Fan Fun Day, for their nomination for Granada’s Pride of Britain Regional Fundraiser Award for their work raising funds for East Lancashire Hospice.
Two friends behind one of the country’s biggest Star Wars fan events have been nominated for a Pride of Britain award.
Paul Dunne and Neil Livesey host an annual Star Wars Fan Fun Day on 4 May every year, with the proceeds going towards the East Lancashire Hospice Trust.
The pair have hosted the event at Blackburn’s Ewood Park for 18 years, which gives Star Wars super fans from across the North West and beyond the opportunity to meet members of the franchise’s cast and crew.
They are amongst four nominees for Granada’s Pride of Britain Regional Fundraiser Award. The winner will go forward to the national Regional Fundraiser of the Year competition and the overall winner will be announced at a glittering ceremony in London in October.
Neil said: “I went to an event in London and thought there’s nothing like this up north. I did the very first one and invited the hospice along to do the tombola and they made about £150.”
The very first event in 2008 featured R2D2 actor Kenny Baker, but since then the event has expanded to feature dozens of actors who have appeared in the series.
Paul and Neil met at the very first event, and quickly bonded over their love of the film.
Paul said: “I went to the very first one and we’ve been friends ever since. I went to see the first film and there was just nothing like it.”
Neil added: “There was nothing like it beforehand and there’s been nothing like it since. It’s pure escapism.”
Neil and Paul decided to raise money for East Lancashire Hospice after they both saw firsthand the important work they do.
Neil said: “Sadly my mum passed a few years ago, and people from the hospice came to see her at home.
“It’s invaluable at a time like that. One of the reasons Paul and I carry on doing this is so other families can benefit from that sort of thing.
“A lot of people think hospices can be a miserable and scary place, but it’s the exact opposite. It’s a bright and lovely place.”
Over the last 18 years, the duo have raised more than £100,000 for the hospice; allowing them to carry on doing vital work.
Community Fundraiser Jackie Morris said: “What these guys bring in helps fund our inpatient unit and our Hospice at Home… without people like Neil and Paul it wouldn’t be possible.
“I’m really glad they’ve been recognised for it. It’s such a good day but the funds it supplies allows us to do so much more for our community.”
After years of hard work, the pair have now been nominated for the Pride of Britain Regional Fundraiser of the Year Award, and have the chance to become Granada Reports’ nominee for the national award.
Paul said: “We don’t do it for the recognition… we’re a couple of northern idiots but it means so much the money we raise.”
Neil added: “We couldn’t stop laughing when we found out. We’re thrilled and humbled. We don’t do it for the recognition, we do it because we really want to help the hospice.”
Unfortunately, Paul & Neil didn’t win but their nomination was very well deserved. Star Wars Fan Fun Day returns on Bank Holiday Monday, May 3rd, 2027, at Blackburn Rovers Football Club. Premier Suite. Ewood Park. Nuttall Street. BB2 4JF and tickets are on sale now, click here to buy yours.
