Taking the story of women’s rights campaigners Edith Rigby to the stage has moved a step closer thanks to our readers.

Blog Preston is investing in Woman on Fire – a Certain Curtain Theatre production about Edith’s life.

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Claire Moore is planning to take the show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and we feel this is the perfect chance to help showcase the life of one of Preston’s notable residents.

Moore has launched a crowdfunding campaign and will be helped towards her £5,000 target by a £500 donation by Blog Preston Community Interest Company.

Rigby’s story is one that takes in arson at Rivington, riding a bike through the city’s streets and founding a branch of the Women’s Social and Political Union. She was a firebrand in every way.

Editor and founder of Blog Preston, Ed Walker, said: “Thanks to our ever-growing readership we’re able to use the money from advertising on the site to re-invest in community reporting and also community initiatives.

“One of the things we always wanted to do when we established ourselves as a community interest company was have a pot of money available for community projects. What Claire and the theatre company are doing ticks that box for us and taking Edith Rigby’s story to Edinburgh is a great advert for the city of Preston.

“What I hope is that the show can then come back to Preston and be performed at a venue here.

“We wish Claire and the team the very best with the rest of their fundraising and with the eventual performance too.”

Funding for the show will cover venue hire, publicity, travel and registration with the Festival.

Claire Moore said: “2017 is the 70th Anniversary of The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and it’s a great opportunity for us to reach an international audience with our original work.

“We operate without any revenue funding so it’s fantastic to have this support from BloggPreston and their readers – local support helping us take part of Preston’s rich history to the international stage – thank you!”

Previously Blog Preston has used its community fund to help put on a film screening at the Guild Hall of a film shot and produced in the city, and a photo exhibition of blended images from Preston’s past and present day.

Who was Edith Rigby?

She was born in the city in 1872 and married a doctor Charles Rigby.

They lived in Winckey Square where there is now a blue plaque to her.

She became a leading figure in Preston’s suffrage campaign, founding the Preston branch of the Women’s Social and Political Union. She spent time in prison for arson attacks linked to the suffrage campaign. Edith also campaigned for many other social and political causes, including the rights of working women and even helped to save the ancient bronze age monument at Bleasdale in Lancashire.

How can I donate?

Claire still needs your help to get the show to Edinburgh. You can donate via the Gofundme page.