When Star Wars superfan Simon Tilley made a film to mark his son’s first birthday it was no ordinary family video.
In fact baby Harry has a record of his first year like no other with clips of the hospital scan, his mum Becky’s growing bump and his first faltering steps all interspersed with images inspired by his dad’s obsession.
The video, which can be seen below, shows Simon cradling the newborn while dressed as Obi-Wan Kenobi, the father and son’s first lightsaber duel, Harry coming face-to face with Darth Vader and ends with him uttering some of his first words – straight from the mouth of Vader himself.
Now Simon’s obsession has paid off after the unique video beat 5,000 other entries to earn him top prize in the Santander Force for Good competition which encouraged fans to upload photos or clips of them recreating Star Wars scenes.
The competition raised £250,000 divided between the children’s charities Barnardo’s and Together for Short Lives as Santander donated £25 to each charity for every entry uploaded to the dedicated campaign website.
Simon, 30, a teacher at Nanty y Parc Primary School, Senghenydd, has won an assortment of Star Wars goodies and a trip to the island of Skellig, Ireland, used as a Star Wars film location.
He said: “I don’t normally enter competitions and couldn’t believe I had won.
“I made the video for Harry’s first birthday and now he’s coming up to three.
“He used to fall asleep in my arms while I was humming the Star Wars theme music, he’s always loved playing with lightsabers and ‘Vader’ was one of the first words.”
“We went to Disney at Christmas and he was scared of Santa but he loved Darth Vader.
“I am so excited about the trip to Skellig – I can’t wait.
“Becky’s not as fanatical as me but we are going to have a tour of the island dressed as Star Wars characters and will be filming it for YouTube.”