10:37am Thursday 22nd September 2005
By Yvonne Gordon
A well-known Kingston environmental campaigner has described how he almost saw his livelihood go up in smoke when arsonists torched his van.
Des Kay, who is better know as entertainer Professor Kayoss, returned from taking his son to a playground to discover his Fiat Dukato containing all his equipment ablaze.
His three-year-old son Michael was devastated to see his favourite teddies burning.
Mr Kay was at a Green Roadshow in West Bromwich when the fire happened several weeks ago. His costumes, clothes and bike were destroyed in the blaze and he has only just managed to replace them.
Fortunately his Amazing Cycle Powered Answer to Everything Machine, the main part of his act, survived.
He said: "When we returned, smoke was pouring out of the vehicle. I dragged out the burning child seat and some boxes before the windows caved in.
"The fire brigade, which arrived promptly, managed to retrieve my livelihood The Answer to Everything Machine before the van exploded within 10 minutes. My costume, clothes and bike were burnt out."
Mr Kay, who is the founder of Kingston's Save the World Club and has performed at many high profile events including the Glastonbury Festival said he always looked on problems as challenges. He managed to improvise at a canal festival in Islington while his machine was out of action.
Bernadette Vallely, development manager of Save the World Club, said the club needed to get a new vehicle before the new season next spring.
She said: "Des sounds chirpy but believe me, he is absolutely devastated.
"We need about £4,000 on top of all our fundraising, so we are looking for a van, loan, or financial help and would appreciate any donations."
Mr Kay, who is hiring a van until he gets a replacement, is performing at a school environmental event at City Hall today. Recent performances include the Duathalon in Richmond Park on Saturday, September 17 and the Thames Festival on Sunday, September 18.
If you want to help, phone 020 8974 8608 or go to www.savetheworldclub.org.
ygordon@london.newsquest.co.uk
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