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Fundraiser Gig In Memory of Debbie Riley for Meningitis Research Foundation

Saturday 5th March 2022 - Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 4SA. Doors open at 7pm

Saturday 12th March 2022 - Hoylake Social Club, Trinity Road, Hoylake, CH47 2BR. Doors open at 7pm

A very special event to raise funds for meningitis research sees the Bardstars play in London and Hoylake, Debbie was my wife who died very suddenly whilst we were on holiday in New York City, in November 2015. She contracted pneumococcal meningitis around the 25th October and was in a coma on the 28th. We switched off her life support on 10th November after we had made the decision to donate her viable organs in accordance with her wishes. Vanessa and George were each a kidney recipient and it gives us great comfort to know this terrifying disease has, at least, brought new life and hope to other people so far away. 

Music was at the very core of Debbie’s spirit. She saw hundreds of gigs, worked in the music and theatre business for years and surrounded herself with all genres of music. She danced to Northern Soul at Wigan Casino, saw the Happy Mondays at the Hacienda and visited CBGBs regularly whilst working in the US in the 80s. She toured for many years with famous artists ranging from McCartney, Bowie, Iggy Pop, Van Morrison and many more. Debbie achieved so many other things outside music: mother, teacher, businesswoman. We can think of no better way to honour her memory than organise a fundraiser gig in her name with all donations going to the Meningitis Research Foundation, who carry out tremendous work. 

Meningitis kills more children under 5 in developing countries than measles, HIV and malaria combined. It kills more children under 5 in the UK than any other infectious disease. It has many variants, but strides are being made in combatting it. It is not unconquerable. Please help in this fight.

The Bardstars started with me on vocals and one friend on guitar in 2016 performing a small event to raise funds. We recruited further friends (victims) and performed a fundraiser gig in London in May 2019 which was a joyous night. We are now 6 friends – 3 who live in London and 3 on the Wirral. This means the chance to perform together is a little limited but we are undaunted! We perform songs from the sixties to the noughties across a wide range of musical styles. There’s something for everyone. 

I really hope you can come and join the celebrations of Debbie’s life and love of music in March 2022. Entrance is free. All we ask is you make whatever donation you wish at the door on the night or via this justgiving page . Numbers are limited to 130 at Hoylake and 100 at Walthamstow for these special events. Book your place now by sending your confirmation in the form via the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSct5Q0OTuJRWvJTm9Vhx25s2UEsI6Hcb1XJ1yn8PpuAIn0Aug/viewform

Best wishes - Charles, Andy, Donna, Nigel, Pete & Simon

https://www.yeolderoseandcrowntheatrepub.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/hoylakesocialclub/

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