A CHARITY blues gig raised hundreds of pounds and some much-needed awareness of dementia.
Dearham man Graeme McGrory organised two gigs, called Feel the Blues, on September 24 and 25 that raised £440.99 for the Alzheimer's Society.
The events that Graeme has organised since 2015 raise awareness of how music can help those affected by dementia.
He was inspired by his partner Ann Westcott and wanted to bring music to her as her posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) Alzheimer's made it difficult for her to travel to the gigs.
On September 24, The Railway Club in Workington was host of the Feel the Railway Blues gig.
The event was headlined by Basketcase from Suffolk whose line-up includes Pete Cruikshank from the original Groundhogs.
Ash Wilson, of the Wilson brothers, Hoss Thompson from Thirteen Stars, Mark Coles and Tony Steel from Slagbank.
Chasin' The Train (a band from Dumfries) and Delta Geckos (a band from Whitehaven) also played at the gig.
The show was opened by Buzz Elliott of Workington, Hammerhead, and Slagbank who designs Feel the Blues artwork and came up with the name in 2015.
On September 25, Ash Wilson and friends played at Netherhall Old boys club in Maryport.
Graeme said: “During the five-hour show, Wendy and her Railway Club team collected donations, sold Alzheimer's Society badges and ran a raffle so a massive thank you to them.
“I am really proud that so far this year Feel the Blues events have raised over £1,500 and they are helping raise awareness of dementia.”
Future gigs include Feel the Bonfire Blues at The Source Collective in Carlisle on November 6, Feel the Aspatria RUFC Blues at the rugby club on November 27 with Hardwicke Circus after switch on Wigton’s Christmas lights on November 27, and Feel the Valentine Blues with The Wilson Brothers and guests at the Grasslot Club in Maryport on February 19 next year.
Many musicians from Cumbria and elsewhere have supported Ann by playing at these events which have now raised over £5000 in total since 2015.
Although Ann is now in Dalton Court Care Home she still loves music and Graeme continues to help arrange musicians to perform for her, residents and staff.
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