2pm Saturday 12/08/23 - 2pm Sunday 13/08/23

Double R Arts and Friends will be running a 24-hour 'performathon' to raise funds for St Catherine’s Hospice and Wigan and Leigh Hospice in memory of Angela & Ron Blenkinship.

Ron Blenkinship was the inspiring Lancashire County Council youth worker who ran performing arts work for young people in South Ribble for nearly 30 years. When he retired in 2011, Double R Arts was created to continue that work. Sadly, Ron passed away from cancer in July 2012, only 10 months after Double R Arts was formed.

Angela Blenkinship, Ron’s wife, dedicated her life to caring for and supporting other people. After Ron passed away, she became heavily involved with Double R Arts, inspiring and encouraging so many children and young people over the last 10 years. Sadly, she also passed away from cancer in September 2022, ten years after her beloved husband Ron.

In March 2013, Double R Arts performed '60-4-60', a 24-hour performathon to raise money in Ron’s memory, on what would have been his 60th birthday. On 12th August this year, Angela would have been 70, so on this date Double R Arts members and alumni will put on 70 performances over 24 hours in celebration and memory of her and Ron, who would also have been 70 this year.

'70-4-70' will also mark the closure of Double R Arts, after the difficult decision was made this year to close the charity from 31st August 2023. We have enjoyed a very successful 12 years and are so proud of all that our young people and workers have achieved across this time. We hope that '70-4-70' will celebrate all the best moments of Double R Arts and bring us together as a family for one last hurrah!

The 24-hour performathon will take place at Priory Lane Community Centre, Priory Lane, Preston, PR1 0AR, beginning at 2pm on 12th August and finishing at 2pm on 13th August.

If you would like to support this event by watching some of the performances or donating money to these fantastic charities please contact the Double R Arts team on enquiries@double-r-arts.org.uk