Film fan Great North Runner becomes star of Gormley fourth plinth

Aug 14 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

A FILM fan who is competing in the Great North Run dressed as one of his movie idols is about to become the star attraction.

Dennis Hewitt is set to climb atop an empty plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square as part of Angel of the North sculptor Antony Gormley’s One and Other art project next week.

The project, which started in June, involves a different person taking their place on the plinth every hour, 24 hours a day, for 100 days.

Dennis, 50, from Birtley, a film extra, is to use his hour to tell people about his experience of running every Great North Run since it began, and of his support of St Oswald’s Hospice in Gosforth, Newcastle. He is to wear all 28 Great North Run T-shirts, taking them off one by one while telling stories of each run and speaking of significant dates in the history of St Oswald’s.

Finally, Dennis will change into an Indiana Jones costume, his outfit of choice for this year’s Great North Run.

Dennis, who has recently been filming the new Robin Hood film directed by Ridley Scott, said his association with St Oswald’s has lasted for many years.

“It all started when my mother began supporting the hospice in 1986 when it first opened,” he said.

“My father was sadly diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1988 and he spent the last week of his life there as an inpatient.

“They were fantastic with us and because we’ve seen their good work first hand, we’ve continued to support them to this day.

“I never expected to get a place on the plinth, but I saw the publicity and thought: why not?

“When I got the place, I thought I may as well try and raise some money for the hospice.

“I’ve tried a dry run with the T-shirts. It’s like wearing a straight jacket when you’ve got them all on. It’s going to be like an escapology trick.”

Participants in the artwork can do anything they want on the plinth. Dennis said: “I’m nervous and excited about it. I haven’t got a good head for heights, but I know they’ve got netting so it should be fine.

“I live near the Angel of the North and pass it all the time when I’m running so there’s a connection with Antony Gormley and it should be a great experience.”

Jennie Evans, community fundraiser for St Oswald’s, which offers care for people battling terminal illness, said: “We are really thrilled that Dennis has got a place on the plinth and that he’s chosen to talk about St Oswald’s during his 60 minutes of fame. Dennis and his family have been long time supporters of St Oswald’s Hospice.

“And over the years they’ve raised over £10,000 for us.

“As a registered charity with annual running costs exceeding £7m, it is only through people like Dennis and his family that we are able to continue to provide the care we do for local adults, children and their families. We are very grateful for their support.” To watch Dennis’ hour on the fourth plinth live, visit www.oneandother.co.uk next Wednesday from 9pm-10pm and to sponsor Dennis in this year’s Great North Run, please visit www.justgiving.com/Dennis-Hewitt/