Night of musical fun to raise cash for cancer charity
KAREN Perryman has organised a pop concert in Exeter to raise funds for research into cancer.
The event, which is set to take place this Friday, March 5, at Exeter Corn Exchange, features local band Thick as Thieves.
-
Organiser: Karen Perryman
All proceeds from the concert will go to Cancer Research UK.
Karen was keen to do something to support the charity after both her cousin, Julie Mann, and her colleague's daughter, Vicki Dunning, battled forms of the disease.
The 50-year-old finance assistant and aerobics instructor, from Exwick, lost her cousin to skin cancer in July, 2008.
"It was a shock because she was the same age as me," said Karen. "We were brought up together in Essex — I moved to Devon 25 years ago."
Karen wanted to do something for Cancer Research UK at that time, but she got back into her "daily grind" and it never happened.
Karen said: "Last June, Vicki was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, in her leg. It was the final motivation I needed to do something to try to raise funds."
The 13-year-old from Ashburton had her final session of chemotherapy last week and is hoping to go to the concert if she's not too sick. Thick as Thieves, a colourful and lively five-piece band, appeal to pop and rock fans of all ages.
Karen was originally going to hold a sponsored aerobics session, but she thought it wouldn't raise as much money as she wanted.
She said: "I hope at least 300 people will come to the concert, enjoy themselves and support a good cause. Cancer Research UK is doing lots of work to try to improve people's chances of survival."
The capacity of the Corn Exchange is 500. Karen chose to hire it because she goes there regularly for jive classes and it is central. She said: "I've never organised anything like this before. It has been so time-consuming, but I don't mind doing it at all. Some people can't come on the night so I'm doing a raffle as well. I've contacted businesses to see if they would donate prizes."
Tickets for the concert cost £8 in advance or £10 on the night. There is no age limit. The doors open at 8pm for an 8.30pm start. The event ends at midnight.
Some seating is available but most of the space will be free so people can dance.
For tickets, call Karen on 01392 669912 or email TATCancerResearch@hotmail.co.uk.
Comments
by Colin Mann, Night of musical fun to raise cash for cancer char
Sunday, March 07 2010, 11:24PM
“Following your article titled 'Night of musical fun to raise cash for cancer charity' on 1st March, I would like to personally thank Karen Perryman for organising such a fantastic event for a very worthwhile cause. I traveled down from Hertfordshire to support the event as my wife Julie Mann (Karen's cousin) passed away with cancer in July 2008. The band, Thick as Thieves, were superb and in no time at all the local jivers were on the dance floor. Karen even arranged a special dance performance from her daughter Tara and friends Seren and Lisa Whyte from the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. A turnout of over 250 people was a fantastic achievement and along with a local raffle and donations, Karen raised over GBP1,600. Well done Karen!”