A MAN from Stourport who lives with motor neurone disease is hoping to raise as much cash as possible for the charity which is battling the condition and is trying to find a cure.
Graham Sumner is a singer and, before his voice goes, he and some friends in the industry are planning to put on an amazing show in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and to raise awareness of the condition.
As well as the show itself, at Allen’s Sports Bar in Tipton on September 5, he and his wife Eileen are looking for any local business which can donate raffle prizes or any sort of donation for this event.
Graham and Eileen met in Tenerife 20 years ago in a bar that he was running over there.
The pair got together and, soon after, settled in Stourport where the couple have many family and friends.
The couple married on October 2, 2015, at Stourport Manor Hotel and had 250 guests.
Graham, being a singer, has performed all over Worcestershire and Birmingham.
Then, on November 15 last year, a neurologist at Kidderminster Hospital said Graham could have MND.
In March this year – after many tests and visits to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham – Graham was confirmed as having the condition.
The terminal diagnosis suggested he could have up to three years to live but it could be anything from six months onwards.
After Graham and Eileen got their heads around the news, they began raising awareness and funds for the MND charity.
They set up a JustGiving page which has inspired family members to undertake a swimathon.
Then Graham and his good friend, who is also a singer, held a charity evening in Blackburn, where Graham is originally from
So far, the drive has raised more than £6,000 for the cause.
Eileen has just retired from Marks and Spencer in Kidderminster after working there for 19 years to spend more precious time with her husband.
The M&S in Weaver’s Wharf, where Eileen worked, has also made the MNDA its chosen charity for the year.
Eileen said: “The diagnosis was devastating but Graham is so positive – we have our fingers crossed we will have as much time as possible together.
“Graham will have to bank his voice as MND takes this away so before this happens we are holding a big singing event at Allen’s.
“It has been organised by our lovely friends and neighbours Terry and Pat Roper – there will be five acts on the evening of September 5.
“But to raise as much as possible we are hoping to hold a raffle to boost the funds.
“Any help people can give – no matter how large or small – will be greatly appreciated.”
The event will feature Graham Gold, Lacey Louise, Terry Dee, David Laine and Spangles Galore.
All the acts will be giving their time for free.
Several Stourport businesses have already donated raffle prizes, including Furrytales dog grooming salon, American Nails, Stourport Nails, Ashley’s Bakery, Manton’s Goldsmiths jewellers, Kam’s Barber Shop, Serendipity, Naughty Little Chef at the Swan, Esthe Couture Cakes and Worcestershire Caravan Park.
Any other people or businesses who could donate a raffle prize should email Eileen at: [email protected] – they can also message to buy tickets for the evening.
