Friday 18 May 2012
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Musician embarks on UK tour of charity shops in memory of his father
8 October 2010
In support of charity, Sue Ryder, a musician is trading in beer-stained floored clubs and pubs for the more genteel and serene atmosphere of charity shops to host his latest UK tour.
Throughout October and November, visitors to a selection of Sue Ryder’s charity shops nationwide will be serenaded by British singer songwriter, Chris Ford, during a series of live music performances. Chris, who cites his musical influences as including Bruce Springsteen and Nick Drake, will use one of Sue Ryder’s signature guitars to accompany his singing, and is embarking on the tour in memory of his father.
The free-to-attend gigs are taking place to encourage people to visit Sue Ryder’s shops, promote the charity’s guitar range, as well as raise awareness of how money raised in its shops is vital to support the charity provide end of life and long term care to thousands of people each year.
The death of his father in February 2010 gave Chris firsthand experience of how expert and compassionate end of life care can support people to die in dignity and in their preferred place of choice, as well as provide support to the whole family. As such Chris was keen to use his music to help a charity that provided care for people and their families in this way.
Chris explained: “My father, Robert Ford, was diagnosed with prostrate cancer about a year ago, aged 84, and unfortunately died earlier this year.
“It was an incredibly intense and emotional time for the whole family which was made more manageable because of the great care dad, and our whole family, received. With support from our GP and local nurses, dad was able to spend his last few months of life at home with mum and the whole family around him, which was what he wanted. Knowing dad died where he wanted to, at home surrounded by loved ones, is incredibly comforting.”
Chris added: “I’m delighted I can support Sue Ryder through my music. My dad had incredible spirit which I hope to bring to my performances at Sue Ryder’s shops.”
Chris will be playing a live performance with one of Sue Ryder’s very own Ryder acoustic guitars at approximately 20 shops. He will be playing songs from his latest EP, Into the Blue, which features tracks from his soon to be released album, The Light on the Hill. Click here to listen to Chris' song 'Into the Blue'.
Halina Sroka, from Sue Ryder’s retail division, said: “Sue Ryder needs to raise £13million in voluntary income each year to continue to provide 4 million hours of care to people living with serious and challenging illnesses. We are hoping Chris’ performances will inspire people to want to make their own music and purchase one of our acoustic and electric guitars – all money made from which will go direct to support our health and social care services.”
You can listen to an interview with Howard Bowles, Divisional Business Manager South, and Chris Ford here.
Click here for a list of the confirmed tour dates and times of Chris Ford's live performances at Sue Ryder shops. For more information on Sue Ryder and its range of guitars please browse the Sue Ryder's retail pages of the website. For more information on Chris Ford visit www.myspace.com/chrisfordmusic.
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