IW-Heroes Con raised thousands of pounds for YMCA Young Carers Isle of Wight at Quay Arts, Newport, on Sunday (10th April).
The main feature for the event – organised by Comic and collectibles shop Heroes – was a virtual interview and live audience Q&A with comic book creator Todd McFarlane, best known as the artist for The Amazing Spider-Man and Spawn.
The event was particularly enjoyed by blind guest Aaron Danvers-Jukes, who met his hero The Predator at the event.
Aaron said:
“Cosplay is very important to me as I can feel materials and compare heights. I first met The Predator in 2014, and they arranged another meeting with him as a surprise for me at IW Heroes Con. It was the best part of the event.”
Manager of Heroes Rob Mead said:
“I’ve been blown away by the support for IW Heroes Con. Everyone has jumped in to help. The virtual guests have been fantastic, and all of them were willing to give their time and send us things to sell.
“It’s been a huge success. We didn’t know how many people would come, and we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the interest. It’s the first one we’ve organised, and we’d like to do an even bigger event next year.”
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All the money raised by IW Heroes Con will stay on the Island as it will be donated to the YMCA Young Carers charity, which supports young people aged 5 to 18, who have to look after their parents. The reasons for youngsters having to care for their mothers and fathers vary, it may be because of mental or physical health problems, addictions, or disabilities.
Lauren Fry, who is a support worker for young carers on the Isle of Wight, said:
“We have 330 young carers on our books at the moment, and we get new referrals every week. The Young Carers charity allows these youngsters to have the opportunity to do things outside the home, which is particularly important in the holidays. Young carers sometimes do not get the opportunity to do things others of their age group take for granted such as going to the cinema.”
