Entertainer Keith Harris will bring the nation’s favourite green duckling to Bicester this month in an event inspired by a local boy with a rare muscle-wasting condition.
The entertainer and his sidekicks Orville and Cuddles will be the star attractions at a show and charity auction in the Cooper School on Saturday, September 28.
Proceeds will go to Action Duchenne – a charity funding research into the severe muscle-wasting disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Mr Harris will appear at the show after having met Langford Village School pupil Adam Carpenter and his family at a pantomime five years ago.
Adam’s mum, Trudi Carpenter, said: “He’s become a bit like a family friend now we’ve met him a few times. He thought the world of Adam and he’s happy to help us.”
Although Adam is too young to remember the ventriloquist’s popular ‘80s TV series in its heyday, he had asked to meet Mr Harris after watching clips of his show.
Local firms have donated generously to the auction, with around 30 lots on offer including meal vouchers, a parachute flight, and entry to a range of visitor attractions.
Mr Harris said he was only too pleased to help out, adding: “Rare medical conditions need lots of publicity, fundraising and lobbying to raise their profile.
“I hope charity events like this go some way to help making muscle wasting history.”
The event runs from 7pm to 9pm, and tickets are £3 per person or £10 for a family of four.
Tickets are available from Launton Post Office or from Trudi Carpenter on 07799 665391.