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Freddie Mercury helps raise Aids cash
THIS Freddie Mercury wannabe certainly took passers'-by breath away as she undertook a charity challenge in Blackpool town centre.
Scooby Rigby-Wharton spent a day in the high-heeled shoes of the moustached rock legend in a bid to raise money for Aids Charity the Mercury Phoenix Trust.
On Friday, as the Illuminations were switched on, the 46-year-old pulled on stockings, a bee hive wig, a big black moustache and hit the town to collect money from the public.
Although the sight of a leather mini skirt is not uncommon in the resort, Scooby's friends couldn't believe their eyes at her outfit.
She said: "I've loved Freddie Mercury since the 1970s so really wanted to raise money for his charity as his birth date approaches.
"At first I was just going to wear all leather but my friend Alice, who is a drag queen said I should spend the day in drag like Freddie in the I Want To Break Free Video.
"My friends couldn't believe it as I don't think I've worn a skirt since I was 18, I normally go out in a suit and boots.
"Alice put the outfit together for me and I was amazed at how realistic it was.
"I was a bit nervous, but I got a really good reaction from people on the whole."
Scooby, accompanied by friends, posed for photographs with holidaymakers on the promenade during the day, then at night, made her way around the town's gay venues.
She managed to collect in the region of 150 in her vacuum cleaner, and hopes to suck up yet more cash to take her total to 200. She added: "I was charging people 1 to have their photograph taken later on which was a good way to raise money.
"A lot of the venues were really supportive, the Mercury Phoenix Trust is a really important charity.
"I was thrilled to be able to do something for charity and live a day as Freddie although I don't think I'll be wearing a skirt again in a hurry."
To sponsor Scooby visit: www.justgiving.com/Scooby-Rigby-Wharton
Freddie Mercury died of Aids related causes in London on November 24 1991.
Since 1992 the Mercury Phoenix Trust has been responsible for donating more than 15m dollars in the fight against Aids making over 750 grants to charities worldwide.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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