Accordionist John fills hospice coffers to the tune of £72,000
Lucky 13 as ambassadors sign up to spread the word
FANTASTIC Macclesfield fundraiser John Jones has shown the real power of music by notching up an incredible £72,000 for East Cheshire Hospice.
John, 74, who was awarded an MBE in 2012 for his services to charity, has been raising funds for the hospice since 1993 by playing his accordion in a variety of venues, including Macclesfield General Hospital and the Grosvenor Shopping Centre.
He said: “I really enjoy meeting people when I’m out with my accordion and regard it as a privilege EAST Cheshire Hospice has just welcomed some new recruits to its community task force.
A total of 13 new ambassadors have just been recruited to help support the fundraising work of the hospice, bringing the number of ambassadors up to 20.
These new ambassadors will be attending and positively promoting the hospice by speaking at local community events.
At a recent briefing event the ambassadors learned some of the key messages about the hospice, including the fact that the hospice receives less than 20 per cent of its running costs from the government, so more than 80 per cent of to be able to raise funds for the hospice while enjoying playing the music.
“I’ve had some wonderful experiences playing at the hospice and meeting the patients there.”
John, whose father played the accordion, began his tuneful fundraising 25 years ago for the scanner appeal at Macclesfield Hospital.
A visit to Stockport Accordion Club changed his life and John has played his accordion ever since.
Self-taught John has hospice costs each and every day have to be met by fundraising.
Hospice supporter Charles MacKay has been an ambassador for two years now.
“As an ambassador you never know who you’re going to end up talking to, but you are always made welcome,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity to put across the East Cheshire Hospice message, augmented by my own experience, and to share it with like-minded people.”
All the ambassadors receive ongoing support from the hospice’s fundraising team, including regular training sessions to ensure they are kept up shown he is no one-hit wonder and, to date, has notched up more than £250,000 for a range of charities.
A former structural engineer with Manchester City Council, John has no intention of letting the music fade and is looking forward to planning his 17th annual fundraising concert with Stockport Accordion Club friends at the Broken Cross Club in December. But he still finds time to take his accordion onto the hospice wards.
“We love to see John around the hospice,” said to date with all the latest news about the hospice and its services, as well as booklets and presentations to take along to events.
“Our wonderful team of ambassadors make a real contribution to our fundraising activities,” said hospice community fundraiser Leah Goodhind.
“With the help of our ambassadors we are able to reach more groups, attend more events and have a greater representation in the Cheshire East area.”
To find out more about becoming an ambassador for East Cheshire Hospice, call 01625 433477 or email fundraising@echospice. org.uk. marketing manager, Rachel Allcock.
“His music is so bright and sunny and, with such a special fundraising record, we’re not the only ones who like it.”