Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trust
The couple have raised hundreds of pounds by taking Dusty to events around the UK
A couple have come up with an unusual way of fundraising for their local mental health service.
Samantha and Adrian Kennedy, from Oakwood in Derby, built Dusty the Dalek, a mechanical suit based on the alien species from Doctor Who.
They were inspired to create Dusty after meeting other Dalek creators at a convention in Derby.
The pair now take their Dalek to events across the UK to raise money for Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trust.
Mr Kennedy told the BBC Dusty took more than a year to build with help from friends and the Dalek building resource Project Dalek.
The suit’s movements and voice are operated from within by Mr Kennedy and his wife helps to guide it as it moves.
“To children it’s very frightening obviously and sometimes even to some of the the adults,” he said.
“We parade him round, all over the country, from the bottom end of the UK and all the way to the top.”
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trust
Dusty took more than a year to build
The pair said they chose to raise money for mental health as they felt it was important it did not get forgotten about.
Having raised more than £500 so far, the couple already have 16 events booked in for 2026.
James Sabin, director of finance at the trust, said: “We’re very grateful to Adrian and Samantha, and to everyone who chooses to raise money for our trust’s charitable fund.
“We use these donations to pay for activities and items for our patients and to support staff. These contributions can make a huge difference to people’s wellbeing.”