Local fundraiser Elly Neville from Pembroke Dock recently felt the force of an inspiring letter and ‘amazing’ donation from former Pembrokeshire resident Lynwen Brennan CBE general manager of Lucasfilm who sent the youngster a rare Star Wars statue.

Ms. Brennan recent winner of the Special Award at the BAFTA Cymru Awards who was educated in Penally VC School, and Tenby’s Greenhill School, is now the general manager and executive vice-president of Lucasfilm in California, who make the Star Wars movies.

Nine-year-old Elly, who attends Pembroke Dock Community School, is raising money as part of her Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal (raising funds for the Cancer Ward at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest).

In her letter to Elly, Ms. Brennan, said: “All of us here at Lucasfilm in San Francisco have learned of your remarkable fundraising for Withybush Hospital.

“Your story has reached people all over the world! I also grew up in Pembrokeshire and I know how important Withybush Hospital is to the community there.

“I am inspired by your hard work and passion for helping other people - you clearly have the heart of a true Jedi!”

The executive vice president then went on to say: “I am very happy to donate this rare statue of Chewbacca, originally created as a crew item for the 2005 Revenge of the Sith Star Wars production, for use in your fundraising.

“Chewbacca is a compassionate and brave protector of his friends and community - just like you.

“On behalf of everyone at Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound we send our sincerest thanks and congratulations on your accomplishment! The Force be with you Elly…always.”

Elly Neville said: “I would love to keep Chewbacca myself, but I know it will raise lots of money to help Ward 10.”

Elly’s Dad, Lyn, said: “It was great to receive such an inspiring letter from Ms Brennan and the amazing donation.

“It was good to know she found time in her very busy schedule to write to Elly personally and remember her home county.”

The amazing statue of Chewbacca, complete with glass dome, is described as - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith ‘Chewbacca’ (as he appeared in the 2005 Star Wars) ILM studio executive gift for Lucasfilm and ILM Executives in 2005. Original studio sculptured by model maker Richard Miller, consisting of a 12 x 5 in. highly detailed figure of ‘Chewbacca’ holding his signature Wookie crossbow. Constructed of cast resin and expertly assembled, painted in bronze with antiquing detail. Standing affixed to an 8 in. round x 3.5 in. tall black pedestal base with a 14.5 in. tall glass dome cover and felted bottom. With title placard at the foot of the figure and 4 x 1.5 in. “Industrial Light and Magic” sticker affixed to the front of base. In very fine condition. With a Letter of Authenticity from Lucasfilm’s VP of Publicity & Communications.

Elly and Lyn hope to raise a good amount of money for Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal, but would also love this to stay in Pembrokeshire. It will be added to the £209,000 already raised for Ward 10.

“We will see what happens!’ said Lyn.

The family are continuing to seek donations via their Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ward10Flag and please give their Facebook page a ‘Like’ - just search - Ward 10 Flag.