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A vintage shop owner has launched a lovely jubbly fundraiser for Red Nose Day by adorning the Reliant Regal that sits outside his business with a giant Red Nose.
Peter O’Connor, who runs Pete’s House Clearance and Pete’s Yard shop in Cheam, Sutton, is a fan of the hit BBC comedy Only Fools and Horses and used it as inspiration for his fundraiser. The iconic yellow Reliant Regal is one of the most recognisable vehicles in Britain after it was used in the 80s sitcom. Peter wants to encourage visitors to take pictures with the car in exchange for a £1 donation to Comic Relief. Peter said: ‘When I opened my shop in June 2020 in the middle of the pandemic the positivity from neighbours, friends and customers was absolutely stunning. It felt like I was making a contribution to my local community. Now with the conflict in Ukraine and the uncertainty about where it could lead, the mood is once again worried and anxious. I want to do something positive to keep our spirits up and help in any way I can.
“I’m an Only Fools and Horses fan and my three-wheeled van is always admired. John Sullivan, who wrote the series, passed away in 2011 at a hospital very close to my shop, and I’ve recently met one of the nurses who cared for him during that difficult time. This is what gave me the idea to use my van to raise funds for Comic Relief on Red Nose Day”.
A plasterer by trade, Peter has a selection of quirky sculptures spread around his shop on London Road, including Mike Wazowski from Pixar’s Monsters Inc film, Po from the Kung Fu Panda animated film, and several elephants on the roof which are beautifully silhouetted at sunset. The car is not the only one that has been given the Red Nose Day treatment – several others are wearing noses of their own.
Peter said: “I wanted my shop to be more than just a retail outlet. I wanted customers to have more of an experience and for it to make them smile. Mike and Po will be wearing red noses to show their support for Comic Relief and there will be lots more to see! Come down and visit from Saturday 12th March until Friday 18th March from 11am until 4pm (excluding the Monday). We hope you’ll be able to join us at Pete’s Yard, 583 London Road, SM3 9AE to have some fun and to fundraise for Comic Relief.”
Money raised by Red Nose Day will help people in the UK and around the world live free from poverty, violence and discrimination, and support people with their mental health. Donations will also help to fund organisations providing essential support for people in Ukraine affected by the terrifying conflict and those attempting to cross the border to safety.
Samir Patel, Chief Executive of Comic Relief, says: “What’s so special about Red Nose Day is that it brings people from all over the UK together to make a big difference. We are so thankful for the incredible support from our fundraisers because whatever you do, big or small, helps people live free from poverty, violence and discrimination.
“This includes funding organisations that are supporting people right now in Ukraine, and on the borders. So whether you buy a Red Nose, bake cakes, smash a challenge or simply pick up the phone to donate, you have the power to change lives across the world and in the UK.”
