ROCKET PERFORMANCE

A group of artistic college students have raised £200 for Wigan & Leigh Hospice by organising and performing in a ‘Rocket Man’ Elton John tribute concert at Lowton Civic Hall recently.

Organiser, Tim Colgate said, “We’re all students at Winstanley College.  This is our second concert in aid of the Hospice, but it may well be our last because we’re going to universities all over the UK.”

However the students were in for a surprise, because when they brought the cheque to the Hospice, they were met by The Secretary of State for Leisure, Culture and Sport, Andy Burnham who said, “We hear so much about the bad things young people do, here is a great example of some of our talented youth helping those in our Community who are on life’s most difficult journey.”

The senior Government Minister had another surprise for the group.  He added, “I used to be able to play the guitar a little.  If, before going to university, you arrange another concert in aid of the Hospice, I will play with you!”

Tim said, “We were taken aback by this generous offer and will have to get our thinking caps on right away to sort out a venue in Leigh, content for the show, and time for rehearsals.”

Hospice Communications Officer Edwin Matthews said, “I believe the talented students got together just for this concert, it’s a credit to them. It’s also not every day a Minister of the Crown offers to perform on stage for us.  We’re very grateful to Mr Burnham and all the students for their very kind support.   Watch this space...”