THE CAMPAIGN to raise funds for a statue of Scots boxing legend Benny Lynch is now £10,000 better off, thanks to actor Robert Carlyle.
Last week the Full Monty and Trainspotting star appeared at a special fundraiser in Glasgow’s Clutha Vaults bar where he donated a his own signed script of his current TV series, Once Upon A Time.
READ MORE: Trainspotting star Robert Carlyle on Glasgow and the legendary Benny Lynch
The actor, who plays Rumpelstiltskin in the series, had the script signed by other cast members.
The script was put up on an auction site and Remembering Benny Lynch Campaign organiser Marie McLellan said interest has been overwhelming.
“We have already been offered £10,000,” she said. “It’s incredible, and it’s all thanks to Robert.”
Carlyle, who is patron of the campaign, has a worldwide following, thanks to his film and television credits.
The campaign’s website was swamped with donations this week as fans celebrated the actor’s birthday, many donating as much as £100.
READ MORE: Trainspotting star Robert Carlyle on Glasgow and the legendary Benny Lynch
Carlyle explained why he was such a Benny Lynch fan, the boxer who became a world champion but died tragically at the age of thirty-three. “Like Benny, I climbed out of the gutter,” he said. “I have to admire anyone who does that. Benny was a huge inspiration, showing what can be achieved.”
Robert Carlyle has achieved acclaim for his work in television series’ such as Cracker and films such as Trainspotting, the sequel of which he is set to film in Scotland.
However, in a note of self-deprecation, Carlyle revealed the road to acting success was far from smooth.
“When I was a struggling actor I once went up for a TV ad,” he recalled, with a rueful smile.
READ MORE: Trainspotting star Robert Carlyle on Glasgow and the legendary Benny Lynch
“It was for a Kwik Fit Fitter, part where you wear the blue overalls and do a wee dance.
“But I didn’t get it. The casting director clearly didn’t think I had the talent to carry it off. And I have to say I was gutted.”
He added, grinning; “It’s moments like that in life when you have to keep going. And I did.”
The casting director may have rethought his decision in later years when Carlyle was cast as a Bond villain.
Now however, Carlyle is focused on raising money to honour Lynch. And his efforts are appreciated by the boxer’s surviving relatives.
Sharon Howard, Benny's Granddaughter, who lives in Ontario said; "To have Robert Carlyle behind our campaign means so much to our family. We are truly grateful for his support and all the hard work of those in Glasgow fighting to have my grandfather remembered."
READ MORE: Trainspotting star Robert Carlyle on Glasgow and the legendary Benny Lynch
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