Express & Star

Buskin’ fun as Black Country musicians raise money for charity

A group of Black Country musicians and performers have raised £3,550 for charity.

Published
The cheque presentation with Billy Spakemon, right

Billy Spakemon, host of Black Country Radio’s ‘The Omma N Chain’ show, and musician John Langford organised a variety of gigs and musical performances across Black Country venues to raise the funds for Parkinson's UK.

The 'Buskin for Parkinson's' events were held after the group decided they wanted to raise money for the charity in support of those who have the disease.

Billy said: "This year has been a joy. The work I do with the musicians is not just about trying to raise money for our chosen charity, but to become informed and understand the lives of individuals who have to learn to cope with illnesses.

"It has been humbling both from that aspect but also from the generosity of all who have supported us. Ordinary people can make extraordinary differences. This year has proved that."

The group presented the money to charity regional fundraiser Gayle Kelly at The Maverick Pub, in Amblecote, on December 5.

Enthusiasm

Gayle Kelly, regional fundraiser for Birmingham and the Black Country at Parkinson’s UK, said: "Nobody should have to face Parkinson’s alone – or without hope that one day we’ll find better treatments and a cure.

"These have been such fun events, with so much enthusiasm, energy and hard work from all of the bands and of course from Billy and John.

"Thanks to everyone involved for raising such an amazing amount which will make such a difference to people living with Parkinson’s."

The disease is a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure and it affects 145,000 people in the UK including 12,000 in the West Midlands.

Parkinson UK's mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.

To find out how to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK visit parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising