Saturday, April 27, 2024
pic of the dayScots couple offer lucky Doctor Who fan opportunity to own working Dalek...

Scots couple offer lucky Doctor Who fan opportunity to own working Dalek – complete with cameras, electric seat and voice modulator

A SCOTS couple are offering one lucky Dr Who fan the opportunity to own a working Dalek for £1,350.

Claire and John Aitken have listed their fictional extraterrestrial mutant model on sale today and are hoping it will get snapped up by other fans of the show.

The full-size replica is big enough for an adult to fit inside and even has two cameras so that the new owner can see where they are going.

Just like the real deal, it also boasts a working special effects sound gun and voice modulator – perfect for imitating the popular tv-show enemy.

“Exterminate!” (C) Claire Aitken.

Inside there is an electric-powered chair, a remote controlled dome and a side opening door.

It can alternatively be used to replicate the Human-Dalek Sec, who featured in 2010’s ‘Daleks of Manhattan’ episode featuring 10th doctor David Tennant.

The Dalek looks almost identical to the on-screen mutants – which have been known to sell for up to £10,000.

It was made by 46-year-old John to help raise money for a charity close to his and wife Claire’s hearts following the tragic loss of their son Aiden, who passed at four days-old after a vital surgical operation.

John would attend sci-fi conventions inside the Dalek and donate any money made to their local children’s community gala.

John makes a great Dalek! (C) Claire Aitken.

Speaking today, Claire, 44, from Methil, Fife, said: “My husband John built the Dalek over a period of seven months.

“He built the Dalek for our local community gala in Methil and to raise money for a charity he volunteers for called Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

“We lost our son, Aiden, eight years ago after a surgical operation.

“If Aiden had survived surgery he more than likely would have been with CHAS and would have only survived until he was around three or four years old – that’s why he does this, for CHAS and for Aiden.

“John used to take the Dalek to a convention every year, called Capital Sci Fi (started by the hero Keith Armour) in Edinburgh. He did it so people could pose with the Dalek and to help bring in crowds for the Methil community gala, where we raise money for CHAS.

The Exiled Warriors have helped raise money for the CHAS charity, bringing a smile to many children. (C) Claire Aitken.

“John no longer works now and instead dedicates all his time to building the props and raising money for CHAS.

“He finds it hard with his osteo-arthritis but does a little every day to give others the chance to have a perfect day and make many smiles”.

Speaking today, John said: “I’m a part of a group called Exiled Warriors which was started by Akiva Travis, John and John.

“My other team members work alongside me as we make Star Wars props to raise money for CHAS and Capital Sci Fi convention – it’s a team effort and raise money for the charity all-year round.”

Retail worker Claire listed the unique item for sale on Facebook Marketplace yesterday, writing: “Fully working Dalek has two cameras for seeing where ur [sic] going.

“Working sound f/x gun voice modulator powered chair 2 12v batteries remote controlled dome side opening door fully working full size prop not a toy. very very sad to put this up for sale”.

The post garnered attention as many were tickled to see the powerful warlord being sold.

One person said: “That would freak me out, lol. I was terrified of them when I was young.”

Another joked: “Can it climb stairs?”

A third wrote: “A gift for Secret Santa?”

A CHAS spokesperson said: “We are so grateful to John and Claire for all their support. All funds raised will go towards helping CHAS continue its work supporting children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.”

John is now planning to start a new project for CHAS and aims to create a full Star Wars display featuring R2-D2, Han Solo from Carbonite, C-3PO and Jawas to display for people to enjoy.

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