The “Stockport Spidermen”, which put a smile on the faces of thousands of children during the first coronavirus lockdown, received praise from the Duchess of Cambridge.
Friends Jason Baird and Andrew Baldock have been dressing up as Spiderman for their daily runs since March last year.
At the time, the country was in lockdown, with only one hour of outdoor exercise allowed per day.
As they ran, Jason and Andrew spread joy as children in Reddish and other areas of Stockport watched with glee from their windows.
A photo of Jason in mid-air in the middle of a somersault was selected as one of 100 final portraits for the Duchess’ Hold Still project – an illustrated book that creates a combined snapshot of the UK in lockdown
Kate Middleton is the patron of the National Portrait Gallery.
Your call took place in the autumn
(Image: PA)
The project invited people of all ages to submit a photo, taken over a six-week period in May and June last year, that focused on one of three core themes – helpers and heroes, your new normal and kindness.
Jason and Andrew’s simple idea quickly became incredibly popular.
Families posted requests for Spiderman in their shop windows – and social media exploded.
Receive the latest updates from across Greater Manchester straight to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter
You can easily sign up by following the instructions here
The Duchess spoke to Jason – from Reddish – in the fall and their conversation has now been revealed.
In it, she praised a “wonderful, positive image of the community spirit” and jokes that she might have to “buy” William a Spiderman suit, but doubts he would get the “air clearance” Jason got in the shot.
“At that time I didn’t appreciate that you were a martial arts teacher, that also gives a lot of context,” the Duchess tells him.
She asks how he came up with the idea of dressing up as Spiderman.
The duo puts a smile on the face of thousands of children
Jason said, “Me and one of my trainers when we heard the news that you were only allowed out for an hour a day – kind of like the activities, go for a walk, go for a run.
“It was more that we wanted to try to cheer up the children.
“I have two children myself, a five year old and a one year old.
“And obviously they can’t go out and see their friends.
The snapshot chosen for the book
(Image: keep still)
“It was more about just conjuring up a few smiles and such.
“So we did the first few runs, jogged and then literally from day one we all had kids around – they played Spiderman out the window, they dressed up as Spiderman.
“They had signs in the window that said ‘Spiderman stop outside my house’ and stuff.”
Jason and Andrew in costume
(Image: Echo PR)
The Duchess asks Jason if he went out every day – and he reveals that he covered more than 400 miles during the lockdown.
“No way,” she says with a laugh.
Jason promises in the call “to put the suit back on and someday make a big run”.
And he praises a team that has started joining him – along with other superhero characters disguised as Wonder Woman and Batman.
“The main thing was to bring only joy and happiness,” he tells the Duchess.
She replies, “Jason, obviously you worked very hard for your community, but also, as you say, how contagious it was for the other communities and how many people really strived for it.
“It really resonated with a lot of people out there. So really, really well done.”
“Maybe when I’m in Stockport I’ll see you out and about in your suit.”
