Music maestro

IN action... Ben Conway conducts Scratch Brass

Ben’s efforts raise bumper charity haul

A STUDENT raised a whopping £3,000 for charity by organising a concert after his dad was diagnosed with cancer.

Crompton House School sixth-former Ben Conway wanted to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK after his dad’s diagnosis — but was amazed with how much he collected.

The 16-year-old teamed up with fellow Year 12 student Toby Butt to put a huge effort into arranging an evening of music — and it was a great success.

At the Shaw school’s recent Christmas celebrations the pair presented a cheque for £3,000 to Cancer Research UK representative Gill Kilgour.

The concert involved a wide range of music including Scratch Brass consisting of top youth musicians from all over the North-West and conducted by Ben after just a couple of hours’ rehearsal.

Xylophone soloist Louise Goodwin held the audience spellbound with her playing of “Helter Skelter” and the school’s Girls’ Choir impressed with wind instruments.

The highly-acclaimed Ashton Brass Band also performed with international tuba soloist Les Neish’s stunning performance of Czardos lauded as a highlight.

The school’s Swing Band and the Crompton String Quartet completed the line-up.

The lads have thanked all the musicians, helpers and staff who gave their time freely, and to the audience who bought raffle tickets, gave prizes, helped with the refreshments and made the evening such a financial success.

Ben said: “Cancer Research UK is a charity which is close to many people and following my dad’s diagnosis earlier this year we decided to put on a concert which would raise as much money as possible for this fantastic cause.

“I didn’t expect to make as much money as we did, but I’m not complaining! Many people were very generous, and it is thanks to many people’s donations that so much money was raised. Everyone we asked for help said yes.”

Head teacher Elsie Tough said: “I am extremely impressed by these two young men. They have worked very hard and gathered together many very accomplished musicians to raise money for such a good cause.

“Crompton House has a great reputation for charity work and these lads are excellent ambassadors for the school. The concert was wonderful, Toby and Ben are obviously great motivators.

“I am very pleased also that at the Christmas Concert a further £250 was raised in the leaving collection.”