On Sunday the 2nd of July, 7 of our members were up and out early to take part in the Barnsley 2023 Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research.
The journey began when our second horn player, Joanne was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to take a back seat from the band while going through treatment and recovery. She still attended events and rehearsals when she could, and all the band gave her the love and support she needed at that difficult time.
When she returned to playing earlier this year she also wanted to do something special to repay the fantastic efforts of the medical team who helped her recover. Together with her family, she came up with the idea to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Barnsley, but with a brass band twist. and so March for Life – Brass Band Edition was born.
Through the power of Facebook, many wonderful people from Rockingham, Stannington, Chapeltown and Unite the Union bands responded to the call and signed up to take part in the 5K march. At a speedy rehearsal on Friday night in Rockingham’s band room, they decided on a selection of marches and some fun and light hearted tunes normally reserved for Strata’s trip to Durham. There was much fun and laughter had during the march and in a little over an hour and a half, the band finally completed the full 5K, crossing the finish line with a rendition of the Jackson 5’s ‘Blame it on the Boogie’.
As it stands, the initial target of £1700 has been well and truly smashed, however if you wish, there is still time to donate on the bands Cancer Research donation page.
Congratulations to everyone involved and did I hear someone say same time next year?