9th February 2022

The Thornbury Ukeaholics have taken their fundraising total to a whopping £13,840.

The band started fundraising for Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity in 2013 and have performed at the NHS 70 party and our Christmas Star Concert.

Their latest performance, for the Royal Antediluvian Order Of Buffaloes, the 'Buffs', raised more than £1,500, taking their total to £13,840.

Chris Butler, who's in the band, said: "We were a group of people who met at a club to learn how to play the ukulele. A year or so later, whilst a few of us were practicing in a local pub, someone presented us with £40 for entertaining them with our music and singing.  We decided to donate it to charity.

 "I knew of the charity through my daughter, Lucy Silverthorne.  Following a serious illness and a ten day stay in the Bristol Royal Infirmary intensive care in 2011, her experience and ‘story’ was used to raise awareness of the charity.  So when considering which charity should receive the £40, we all agreed Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity. That was the start of our fundraising.

"It's fantastic to have raised so much money to benefit the hospitals and the NHS staff who work so hard.

"Being invited twice to play at the Bristol Cathedral Christmas concert has been the highlight for us all."

From everyone at the charity we'd like to say a great big thank you to Chris and all the Ukeaholics for their dedication to raising money for our hospitals.

---

Do something great. Start your fundraising.