Monday 14 March 2011
David Hayman Lifts Bobby's Spirits
Actor David Hayman (best known as DCS Mike Walker in Trial and Retribution) visited Forth Valley College today (14 March 2010) to talk about his charity ‘Spirit Aid’ and how it has helped one former student realise his dream.
Bobby Armstrong from Falkirk, has just directed his first short film with the support of ‘Shooters’ – a film and media project run by ‘Spirit Aid’. The charity was set up in 2001 to support children and young people around the world and lead them towards better, healthier and happier lives.
Shooters is designed to give young people a voice through the medium of film whilst also building self-confidence and self-esteem. Bobby got involved after a chance meeting with David Hayman at Glasgow Film Festival. When Bobby explained he had always wanted to be a director – but had been told by a schools careers advisor to set his sights lower due to his autism and cerebral palsy – David was appalled and put him in contact with Shooters.
Bobby’s film ‘Little Green Bag’ will now premiere in cinemas in Falkirk and Glasgow next month and stars actors Gary Lewis (Neds, Billy Elliot) and Taryam Boyd (Adeeb Brodie in River City).
Staff and students who came along to the presentation enjoyed an exclusive sneak preview of the film and a few words from Bobby himself.
Linda Craw, Head of the Access and Progression Department at Forth Valley College said:
“This has been a fantastic opportunity for Bobby and we’re very proud of his success. Bobby has proved that you should never give up on your dream despite any barriers that life throws at you and we hope his story will be an inspiration to many others. We wish him all the best of luck, I’m sure we’ll be watching his blockbusters in many years to come!
“I’d also like to thank David Hayman for taking the time to tell our staff and students more about Spirit Aid. The charity is doing some excellent work here in Scotland and also places such as Kosovo, Guinea Bissau, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa and David’s presentation certainly left everyone with lots to think about it. Many of our students get involved in fundraising so hopefully they’ve been inspired by some of the things Spirit Aid is currently involved in.”
Bobby's family are holding an event to raise money for Spirit Aid and Yorkhill Hospital on Friday 18 March from 7pm in Pennies Bar, Falkirk.
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