The Thornbury Ukeaholics band have raised more than £6,000 for Above & Beyond.

Half the money they have raised will go the charity’s Bristol Heart Institute Appeal. The £830,000 appeal is now just £50,000 away from target, with the money raised providing world-class equipment, the latest surgery techniques and new facilities.

The band played at the appeal launch last year and also performed at the NHS70 celebration at Bristol Royal Infirmary.

The other half will go to where the need is greatest, including creating welcoming environments, staff training and development and innovative research.

Chris Butler, who plays with the band, said: “In 2013 we were given a donation after playing and we decided to donate it to a charity. I suggested Above & Beyond because the charity has become personal to me. 

“In 2011 my daughter was admitted into the BRI Intensive Care Unit with a serious life threatening illness.  As a family we were overwhelmed by the situation and will be forever indebted to the doctors and nurses for the care and support that she and we received.

“To quote one member of the group ‘what could be nicer than spending leisure time with a great bunch of friends, raising money for a worthwhile cause and knowing all the money raised goes directly to Above & Beyond’.”

Later this year the Thornbury Ukeaholics will play at the Christmas Star Concert at Bristol Cathedral for the second time.

This year’s concert also features choirs from Colston’s Upper School Chorus and Lower School Choir, the Voice of Hope Wellbeing Gospel Choir, Byron Jones – The Welsh Wizard and the Above & Beyond Singers.

Host for the evening is Jack Ashton, who stars in the BBC’s Call the Midwife.

Amy Barnard-Smith, community fundraising officer for Above & Beyond, said: “Having the support of the Ukeaholics is fantastic. They’ve performed at some really special events and have raised so much for Bristol’s hospitals.

“If you want to achieve something amazing for charity and have fun doing it, join Thornbury Ukeaholics, you won’t be disappointed!”

---