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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Kirsty McKenzie

Robert the Robot talks to us about why he chose to remove the mask after 36 years

For over 30 years he's been a local legend loved by all of Glasgow.

Robert the Robot first garnered huge crowds in the 80s and 90s thanks to his phenomenal street dancing, iconic white boiler suit and signature disguise.

But no one knew the man behind the mask - until now.

Today Robert - alongside his friends and family - took to the city centre to make a little piece of Glasgow history.

Showing off his moves (and they seriously haven't aged a day since he first began in 1983) Robert shimmied and shuffled before revealing his identity to a roaring crowd.

The much-loved performer spoke to Glasgow Live about the heartbreaking reason behind his decision to peel back the mask. 

Robert's nephew Peter's girlfriend, mum-of-five Ashley Meehan, is battling cervical cancer - and Robert is determined to do everything he can to raise cash in her name.

He said: "I know today is about Robert the Robot but the whole reason I am doing this is for my nephew's fiance Ashley.

"She had cancer a year ago and then got the all clear in December but it came back about a month ago and it is quite aggressive.

"So I decided to do something a little bit different."

Mum-of-five Ashley has only gave her a 10% chance of survival and Robert is determined to help her and nephew Peter have the wedding of their dreams."

Robert said: "They want to get married and go on holiday so I want to help in any way I can."

He said: "I wanted to do my bit for Ashley, and if I can use Robert the Robot to get people to help, then I'm very happy to do that.

"It's all about trying to make enough money so that they can have the holiday they deserve as well as raising awareness to make sure this doesn't happen to other people - it could save lives.

"Ashley has never been abroad with her kids and it so important to her that she makes memories with them. I would ask people to give what they can to help her get the wedding and holiday of her dreams."

You can find out more about Ashley's fundraiser here  and don't forget to watch Robert's big reveal above!

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