It's the end of a fund-raising era for Musical Friends, and its many beneficiaries

Sarah Fitchett, from Papyrus, receives a cheque from Musical Friends' Paul Osbaldiston and Jayne Collins

After 16 years of dedicated fund-raising, and having donated an amazing total of more than £200,000 to deserving charities, Musical Friends have reluctanctly decided to call it a day.

The Oldham-based dance and show team, originally created by former St Barnabas Church Rose Queen Katie Osbaldiston, has now handed over its final cheque, one for £612.03 to Papyrus (Parents’ Association for the Prevention of Young Suicide) - a charity which helps prevent suicide in young people.

Musical Friends raises money by visiting a different venue each week and performing songs from the shows with a live three or four-piece band and at least 10 singers.

The idea has always been to produce a show with dancing and singing that could be adapted week by week to fit various venues, but basically it’s been the same show to different audiences all over the north-west area, raising between £1k and £1.5K per night for the given charity.

Over the years, Musical Friends have supported Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, Springhill Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Christie’s, Kidscan, Maggie’s Oldham and Manchester, Alzheimer’s Society, Motor Neurone Disease, Oldham Hospital, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity and what became a popular charity close to everyone’s hearts, Reuben’s Retreat.

Over the 16 years of performing they have managed to raise in excess of £200,000 for various charities and have been nominated for two Pride in Oldham awards.

Now, however, Musical Friends organisers haven’t got the time to carry on, and lots of praise for the group has followed.

One follower said: “You were a fabulous group and I am proud of each and every one of you who put their hearts and souls into every concert, with all your singers worthy of being on TV with spectacular voices.

“Thank you so much.”

Another added: “This group of selfless people who give their time and effort free to help others, deserve recognition for what they do and should be honoured as they give 300-per-cent in everything they do, thinking of other before themselves all the time.”

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