Cause UK is attempting to break the World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed up as Sherlock Holmes.
The challenge will be hosted at Temple Newsam, Leeds, on 31 August to help raise funds for a new Yorkshire Brain Research Centre, part of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Charitable Foundation.
Clair Challenor-Chadwick, MD of Cause UK and Appeal Director of the Yorkshire Brain Research Centre, said: “Sherlock may live at Baker Street, London, but according to the most influential fictional biography of Holmes by Baring-Gould, Holmes was born in Yorkshire, the youngest of three sons of Siger Holmes and Violet Sherrinford. We wanted to reclaim him for Yorkshire, and he is the perfect inspiration for our Appeal as the world’s brainiest detective. We’re hoping to tap into the cultural zeitgeist and popularity of Sherlock thanks to Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman with the BBC series.”
Brain disease is the biggest challenge of our generation. By 2030 there will be a 20% increase in Parkinson’s disease alone, while numbers of dementia patients will soar by 80%.
The Leeds Teaching Hospitals Charitable Foundation is working in Yorkshire to tackle Epilepsy, Parkinson’s, MS and Dementia.
It’s hoped Sherlockians will be inspired by the giant fundraising extravaganza to help create the £2m brain research centre, a partnership between Leeds University, which has one of Europe’s biggest research facilities in Europe and the Leeds Teaching Hospitals.
Registration is £15 and in return participants will receive a Deerstalker hat, a pipe and a magnifying glass. Prizes will be given for the best dressed Sherlock. Sherlock fans can enter a raffle for £5 to win signed goodies from the cast of Sherlock, including Benedict Cumberbatch signed photographs, Sherlock script and books. 100% of proceeds will go to the Yorkshire Brain Research Centre.
Clair added: “We are calling on collective brain power to help raise funds for this important cause! If you love Sherlock you will love this fun family event, expect special guests and some great entertainment.”
Follow event news and announcements @sherlockrecord
Event website www.sherlockworldrecord.com