One of the Willy Wonka experience actresses has started to use her viral fame to raise money for those in need.
Kirsty Paterson, dubbed ‘The Sad Oompa Loompa Girl’, hit the headlines in February after she worked at the infamous Willy’s Chocolate Experience.
The underwhelming attraction in Glasgow flopped after parents complained.
However, Kirsty is using her viral fame for the better and is now raising money for a children’s hospice in Chorley, Lancashire.
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“It’s been a surreal few weeks and honestly at times it has been difficult to cope with all the attention, good and bad,” the 29-year-old told What’s The Jam.
“I want to use this crazy platform for good things.
“I have ADHD and want to help kids with the condition see they can achieve their dreams no matter what.”
Therefore, she has now signed up to pose for selfies and sign autographs for fans at Stars & Cars, a charity event raising money for Derian House Children’s Hospice, being held on 14 April.
She said: “It is really important to me to do things that help people, especially kids.
“The whole world of Comic Con and Cosplay stuff is exciting too, so this event really jumped out at me.
“To be able to use my platform to raise money for such a good cause is an honour – when Derian House got in touch to invite me to the event, I jumped at the chance to help out. It’s the least I can do.”
Colin Wilby, Stars & Cars organiser and Ambassador at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “We are beyond excited that we’ll be joined by Kirsty. the Glasgow Loompa Girl at this year’s Stars & Cars event.
“The Glasgow Wonka experience took the world by storm when it went viral.
“And we think it’s awesome that Kirsty has shown such a sense of humour by using her new-found fame to help us raise money for a really worthy cause.”
Fans can now buy tickets for Stars & Cars, which promises an extravaganza of childhood heroes and iconic cars from film and TV.
As well as seeing Kirsty, fans will be able to see four Batmobiles displayed together for the first time ever in the UK.
There will also be appearances from Ted Lasso actress, Annette Badland, DC Comics’ Batman, 80s cyborg assassin, The Terminator, and CBBC’s outspoken Border Terrier – Hacker T. Dog.
Colin added: “Derian House Children’s Hospice cares for more than 400 babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across the North West of England.
“And we hope Kirsty’s appearance will raise lots of money to help these deserving families make the most of every moment they have together.”
The event is expected to sell out fast, with tickets now available to buy online: www.ticketsource.co.uk
