Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

This summer I hiked the Three Peaks for charity. I started with Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa on 25 July, followed by Scafell Pike in the Lake District on 8 August, and rounded off with Ben Nevis in the Highlands on 15 August.

I am raising money for the OAE’s Benevolent Fund, of which I have just been appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees, and which is about to celebrate its 30th year (hence the three peaks).

The OAE’s musicians are self-employed so, if they have to withdraw from an engagement, they do not get paid. The Fund supports OAE musicians when they are unable to perform due to illness, injury or other unexpected circumstances. It is a crucial safety net, awarding grants to players for lost income from OAE engagements.

As someone who has benefited from similar hardship funds in the past, I believe this is an extremely valuable (but perhaps not sufficiently well-known) part of OAE life. I hope this challenge will raise awareness of the Fund’s existence and purpose, motivating one-off contributions and/or regular donations.

Even just a tenner per peak (or whatever you can afford) would be very gratefully received, and every pound will go directly towards such grants. Thank you!

For further information, or to donate directly, please go to https://oae.co.uk/support-us/oaebenevolent-fund/

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