‘Grand gesture’ in this tribute to popular Gareth

FRIENDS and family of a popular musician and fisherman have raised £1,000 in their latest fundraising event in his memory.

Stone Cold Sober guitarist, Gareth Jones, died at the age of 44 from cancer. A fishing event was held at Blake Hall Fisheries in Cheadle on the eighth anniversary of his death.

Over the last eight years more than £5,000 has been collected for charity with the £1,000 raised this time going to the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.

Glyn Jones, Gareth’s father, said: “Every year, the same fishing lads turn up in sun, rain, hail in memory of Gareth. After the event, they all go back to the Wellington Inn for a raffle, buffet and disco.”

Customers at the Wellington Inn also donated via jars which were placed on the bar for a week.

Lauren Jones, Gareth’s sister, said: “Local businesses donated prizes for the raffle, including Alton Towers spa, who donated vouchers to a value of £300, Brough Park Leisure Centre, who donated a free one month full membership which is worth £100, Ryles Arms in Macclesfield, who donated a £25 voucher; The Olive Tree in Leek, who donated a £20 voucher; The Retreat donated a full spa day, Bare Beauty donated a £10 voucher, and Lions House Tearoom donated a £10 voucher, plus many more from the public.

“We would like to say a big thank you to those who donated, and to Clive Ashton and Carol Dwyer, the landlord and landlady of the Wellington Inn for hosting the event.

“We would like to thank GD Sounds discos for lending the equipment for the disco for free. We would also like to thank Pete Ball who arranges the fishing event every year and Nigel Maycock and James Lockett for helping to advertise and promote the event.”