Welsh man changes his name to Homer Simpson

Feb 2 2008 by Moira Sharkey, South Wales Echo

D’OH! Meet the Welsh man who has changed his name to Homer Simpson.

The 24-year-old from Cardiff named himself after the world-famous cartoon character to raise money for children’s charity NSPCC.

Born Richard Llewellyn, he is now Homer to family, friends, and even his bank manager, having formally changed his name by deed poll.

Homer, from Newport Street, Grangetown, said: “I’ve done a number of things over the years to raise funds for charities like fun runs and waxing but I really wanted to do something different this time. I knew it would have to be something original.

“The idea to change my name came while chatting with some colleagues at work. One of them suggested I change my name to Homer Simpson. Some people already called me Homer as a nickname. I thought it was a legendary idea. I had to pay £50 to make the change through deed poll and that was it.”

Homer raised £380 for the charity and has vowed now the sponsorship is over he is keeping his new name. “I am a fan of the Simpsons but then who isn’t? I am sticking with Homer now,” said the call centre worker.

The only people who will know him as Richard will be the customers who speak to him as a claims adviser for Admiral insurance in Cardiff.

“The company has been great with everyone digging deep to sponsor me and I would like to thank them all. My bosses have asked me to keep the name Richard when dealing with customers and that is fine by me,” said Homer. “But everyone else is having to get used to calling me Homer.”

He is currently waiting for a new driving licence and passport and has changed his bank details.

“I have almost completed the change on all my documents and it has been quite straightforward. The only problem I have had so far is when I went to buy a mobile phone and the guy in the shop did not believe me when I told him my name.”

Jo Leonard, community fundraising manager for NSPCC, said: “I never cease to be amazed by the imagination of our supporters, however this one takes the biscuit or should I say doughnut! It’s definitely a new way of fundraising and one that shouldn’t be undertaken lightly.”

n For further information or to help raise funds for the NSPCC visit www.justgiving.com/RichardLlewellyn.

moira.sharkey@mediawales.co.uk