Thank you for visiting my page.

Hopefully you're here because you already know a bit about what I'm doing and why. But if not, here goes.

I recently watched my father-in-law Richard, a wonderful, kind and loving man, taken by Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. To watch him deteriorate over the space of only a few months was truly awful, and his family are devastated by his passing.

At present there is no cure for this awful disease, and no effective treatment for it's effects. This leaves sufferers and their loved ones with no hope.

I wanted to do something to help support research into IPF and also raise awareness. One of the problems with IPF is very little is known about it, and it is commonly misdiagnosed. Considering it kills as many people in the UK each year as Leukaemia, more help is desperately needed to stop this disease, and find a way to help people who have it.

I'm a musician. I don't really have any other skills or talents and so it was only natural I'd do something music related to raise money.

I've recorded a song, it's a cover version of a Joe Bonamassa track called Happier Times. It's a beautiful song, and with a couple of small tweaks to the lyrics, it captures perfectly the need to remember someone for who they were, and the good times they had rather than the grim last days.

This song is dedicated to those people who made our lives better just by being a part of them, and who are no longer with us. It's especially for Mandy's dad Richard who left a huge hole in so many people's lives when he left. It's also for my Grandparents who were real heroes to me and I miss them dearly.

I'd also like to add an extra dedication for a good friend of mine and Goldie's, Mike Alexander who lost his life to different lung disease several years ago.

The song is almost finished and will be available to buy through iTunes and other online stores in the next few days. All the proceeds will go to support IPF charity work. This page is for those people who would like to donate a bit more than the cost of downloading the song, and I'm hugely grateful for any donation, no matter how small.

This is my first attempt at singing, despite playing in bands for almost 30 years. As I needed the finished product to be the best I possibly could, the pressure was on. I couldn't have done it without an incredible cast of supporting characters. I've had a lot of help putting this together, so I need to thank a few people.

Firstly, Mandy for being my driving force and inspiration. For her support and encouragement, and for helping me do something to help remember her dad. 

Paul and Goldie, for taking time out of work to help me record the song. Paul's guitar playing and Goldie's drumming are fantastic as always and really brought the song to life. When I asked them to help, there was no hesitation and both said yes in a heartbeat.

Mick and Wayne at Psycho Sounds Studios in Halifax. They've given me so much of their time to make this recording sound as good as possible. Their work is fantastic, and I'm hugely grateful. The fact they'd never even met me before agreeing to help, makes it even more incredible.

Joe's publishers J&R Adventures have granted me permission to use the song for free, which in the modern music business, is amazing.

Finally, a massive thank you for taking the time to read this and to everyone who donates, either by buying the song, or through this page.

Remember happier times.