Think Brass Bands, and you probably think of the film Brassed Off. Stereotypical? Yes, but brass bands do form part of the fabric of many northern towns, with bonds just as strong as those seen in the film.

When the players of Ashton-Under-Lyne Brass Band realised that one of their members was seriously ill one suggestion was to go and play Danny Boy outside her hospital window! Helen made it clear no such schmaltz was allowed.

When Helen died in October 2011 the band wanted to do the one thing they can do - play music - to raise awareness of the condition that lead to her untimely death and celebrate Helen's indomitable spirit.

Helen suffered from a condition called Scleroderma - a rare autoimmune condition that can affect any part of the body. We are raising money for the Raynauds & Scleroderma association to support research into this condition.

The band will play a concert on the 9th of December at Mossley Hollins School to celebrate Helens life - more info will be available here about tickets soon.

Your contribution is very much appreciated!

Ashton-Under-Lyne Brass Band