Banding greats join together for Charity

Hatfield Band will be joined by banding greats, Alan Morrison, Mark Walters, Stephen Sykes and Kevin Holdgate, for an event on 22 July to raise funds for two great causes, which will be hosted by Stan Lippeatt.

The concert has been organised by Mike Kilmartin, who commented: “Some months ago, I was toying with the idea of organising a ‘benefit’ concert, but had to give this a lot of thought as I have never done anything like this before.

I also had to consider which charity would benefit from the proceeds raised. This was a relatively easy decision as I have a good friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and then one of my oldest friends, Joanne Sykes, needs help. Her son, Stephen, a fabulous trombonist, is suffering with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and the treatment he needs is not available on the NHS. Therefore, all the monies raised will be donated to Breast Cancer Now through Boobs and Brass, the wonderful ‘pink ladies’ who raise funds for the charity and the Save Stephen fund, which will go towards purchasing further treatment for Stephen and help towards getting him well again.”

Askern Miners Welfare has very kindly offered the venue free of charge and during the evening, there will be a performance of the now infamous Acrobat Challenge. Any trombone player attending the concert is invited to bring their instrument along and be part of this special performance, which will be conducted by Stephen’s Mum, Joanne.

Mike concluded: “I just hope that we can raise a substantial amount for these two very worthy causes and hope that people will come and support this event to help us to do this.”

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