It started with a last-ditch Tweet referencing the iconic lines from the original Star Wars film “This is our most desperate hour”. It was sent on behalf of a terminally ill man who was desperate to watch the new Star Wars film, The Rise of Skywalker with his family.
Rowans Hospice in Hampshire, Britain, issued the plea via Twitter last week for an early screening of The Rise of Skywalker, which is due for release on December 20.
‘Can you help?” the Tweet read. “We have a patient who’s a HUGE #StarWars fan.
‘Sadly, time is not on his side for the 20th Dec. His wish is to see the final Star Wars film #RiseOfSkywalker with his young son.
‘If you know ANYBODY who might be able to make it happen, please share with them. Thank you.’
Luckily, actor Mark Hamill who plays Luke Skywalker in the series, spotted the tweet and urged staff to get in touch with Disney.
Within 24 hours, Disney chairman Bob Iger arranged for the early screening, and the patient – who’s chosen to remain unnamed – was able to watch the film with his family by his side.
“I just want to say the biggest thank you to everyone that has helped to make this happen,” the sick man said via a statement. “During what is just a horrible situation to be in, you have helped to make some wonderful memories and bring some joy to my family.
“I am a huge Star Wars fan and what I am going through is completely dire. Then to top it all, I thought I wasn’t going to see the film I have been waiting to see since 1977! I still can’t believe it. The only way I can describe this to you is to say that this must be what it feels like to be told you have won a million pounds!”
Rowans Hospice chief executive Ruth White told Sky News it was an “incredible experience” for the man.
“He is extremely tired but apparently for the whole time the film was on he was completely with it,” she said.
“My goodness was it worth it.”