Playing a Gig Whilst Running the Great North Run….
We’ve done some fairly crazy things before – from gigs in lecture halls, trams and metros; to having a percussion line onstage and having four people play one song on a guitar, but I think this time we have managed to outdo even ourselves.
On September 11th we will attempt to become the first band ever to complete a gig around the Great North Run, and in doing so break the world record for a band running a half marathon, singing and playing guitars all the way from Newcastle to South Shields. This could be the most foolhardy but incredible challenge we’ve ever taken on – BUT the reason we are doing it is even more important: to raise awareness for organ donation, and some funds for Cardiomyopathy UK….. HERE IS WHY!
In 2013 we met Jim Lynskey – a truly inspirational individual – who had been unable to come to a gig due to a cardiac arrest (ha’way Jim, not a great excuse to be honest ;)). We popped round to Jim’s for a cup of tea and over the years have kept in touch, he’s now a firm friend.
Jim has lived with Dilated Cardiomyopathy since being 7 days old, having had cardiac arrests at 8 and 17, numerous surgeries and procedures. He is currently on the transplant list for a new heart but frustratingly Jim has been on this list for a year without being called for a transplant.
There are currently over 10000 people waiting for an organ in the UK (250 for a heart) – from every gamete of society, young and old. As it is organ donation awareness week from the 5-11th September we thought it was a perfect opportunity to encourage people to sign the register, and help to save up to 9 other people’s lives. Just think about that… 9 people. 9 different families. That is a pretty powerful image.
Please support us in this mammoth task by following @save9lives – Jim’s twitter account, highlighting the number of lives saved by the average organ donor or by going directly to the following link.
http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/how_to_become_a_donor/registration/consent.asp?campaign=2462
Also, we are trying to raise money for Cardiomyopathy UK who have been kind enough to offer us our places on the run. This amazing charity promotes research and provides support to those affected by heart muscle disease in the UK. Please visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jimcomets
Thanks a lot for reading this far. If you can support us in anyway that would be incredible – even if just to cheer us on from the streets of Tyneside on September 11th.
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