Yes, this is a weird one - but it raises awareness for two splendid charities and one spectactular event, so we are very much on board.
Meet Freddie Mercury the Lion. He's named after one of the world's greatest musicians and despite being, er, a life-size jungle sculpture, he has been on a huge mission today - all to promote the hard work of the Mercury Phoenix Trust and Born Free Foundation.
The lion, created jointly by both charities, was on tour to tell the Londoners about the Freddie For A Day campaign - a campaign which not only raises support for these hard-working groups but one that will hold a huge fund-raising event in London this September, where friends and supporters of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury come together, dress up like the man himself, celebrate his life and give what they can.
The Mercury Phoenix Trust was founded by Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor and Queen manager Jim Beach twenty years ago; their plan to help distribute money raised from the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS awareness. While, the Born Free Foundation is an international wildlife fund, which works to protect threatened species and prevent animals suffering in the wild.
Of course, Freddie the Lion has done a great job - we are talking about him after all. His tour earlier today took in all the big London sites - including Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium. He had his picture taken with excited children, proud parents, the Met Police and even the armed forces. Those working at Wembley particularly wanted a slice of the action and jumped right in for a picture with him. And he will be auctioned off on the big night on Monday 3 September.
Follow the links for more information on the Freddie for a Day campaign (http://www.freddieforaday.com/) or the Mercury Phoenix Trust (http://www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com/Home.aspx) and Born Free Foundation (http://www.bornfree.org.uk/)
PHOTO CREDIT: Ruth Ward
