A fundraiser who has run more than 30 marathons worldwide dressed as Roger Rabbit has paid tribute to his inspiration – Bob Hoskins.

The British actor, known for his role in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, as well as The Long Good Friday, died from pneumonia at the age of 71 last Tuesday.

Now, Minster resident Del McCarrick, who was made an MBE in 2009 for his efforts over the years, has spoken of the support the Hollywood star gave him over the years.

The 79-year-old was introduced to Mr Hoskins when they did a photoshoot together for Children with Leukaemia (now Children with Cancer) and they met again a number of times.

Mr McCarrick, of The Leas, said: “He was down to earth. He would always be easy to come up to and was never stuck up.

“Ever since we met he would send me goodwill whenever I needed any publicity.

“Whenever I needed anything for Leukaemia or Children with Cancer he would speak on my behalf and mention Roger Rabbit.

“He didn’t really like [video] cameras or anything but helping out with photos was fair enough.

“He was quite taken in with the Roger Rabbit outfit. He even told me to watch out for Jessica Rabbit!

“I saw the film [Who Framed Roger Rabbit] and I thought that would be great.

“It has been an inspiration to me and it was the costume that made the money, not me.”

The former cabbie has raised about £200,000 for good causes and has even run a marathon across the Sahara Desert in fancy dress.

The last time the two spoke was at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital about three years ago.

Mr McCarrick said: “I was shocked to hear about his
death.

“He always seemed to be a fit man to me and 71 is a young age to go. It’s such a shame.”