Our friends at Abbey Theatre announced via their Facebook page the great news that Gareth Edwards, the director of Rogue One, has completed the Los Angeles marathon and raised nearly £20,000 in aid of the Angelman Syndrome Support Education & Research Trust (ASSERT) – a charity for which he is a patron. Gareth has a strong connection with this charity as his niece Ella, has Angelman syndrome and his sister Lisa Court is a trustee and treasurer for the charity, which helps families across the UK.
During the filming of Rogue One, Gareth made a short movie clip with help from Lucasfilm Limited about why he is inspired by his niece Ella.
This clip was shared when Rogue One was released in cinemas and during his showing of Rogue One in his hometown of Nuneaton in December.
His sister Lisa spoke to the Coventry Telegraph about his marathon effort in L.A and shared pictures of Gareth at the finish line, sporting his medal looking a bit like a Jedi who had completed his training! He finished the marathon in five hours and eleven minutes!
ASSERT is celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary and Lisa told the Coventry Telegraph
“The fact that he has done the marathon for us and has helped to raise so much money in our anniversary year is just great.”
It is still not too late to make a donation and help Gareth reach £20,000 by going to his Just Giving page.
Well done Gareth from everyone here at Fantha Tracks!