Moray brass players get moving after cancer concerts called off
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THIS weekend should have seen Elgin alive to the sound of world-class trumpeters lined up with a local brass band in concerts to boost cancer charities.
Moray Concert Brass (MCB) had been due to hold two concerts on June 12 and 13 to boost funds for CLAN Cancer Support, Friends of ANCHOR and Cancer Blows.
But with the stage at Elgin Town Hall off-limits due to the pandemic, some band members have donned their trainers instead to ensure the charities do not lose out.
The band's musical director, Glenn Munro, was diagnosed with bowel cancer three years ago and later a peritoneal surface malignancy. He is currently undergoing immunotherapy.
Glenn recently formed a 10-strong team to boost local charity Friends of ANCHOR through its Going the Distance challenge, in which members walk, run or cycle 2600 miles between them throughout June.
The distance is equal to the perimeter of the area supported by Friends of ANCHOR, including Moray, Aberdeen and Shire, Orkney and Shetland.
Friends of ANCHOR supports oncology and haematology patients.
The team – Glenn Munro, Kira Tubbs, Gillian Tubbs, Steven Tubbs, Julie Terron, Louise Gray, Robbie Devenney, Donna Fraser, Elizabeth Patterson and Aileen Robertson – have all been involved with the band as players and as staff on tours abroad.
Glenn urged the public: "If you were going to come to the concerts, why not sponsor us the price of a ticket?
"We know this is a difficult time for many people, but it would be fantastic if we could reach our target of £500 and make sure that Friends of ANCHOR don’t miss out on the vital funds we had hoped to make at the concerts."
Challengers Aileen and Donna have been band members for 20 years.
Aileen said: "As well as the musical aspect of MCB, raising money for charity is a very important part of what we do.
"We were really looking forward to this great weekend working with fantastic musicians and raising money to support people with cancer, but hopefully this is still a way that we can do a little bit to help support important charities at this uncertain time."
Donna added: "I will be mainly walking for the challenge with my dog, Sam.
"Having close family and friends fight horrible battles with cancer, it’s great to be able to raise some money for a charity like ANCHOR so they can help others."
Team-mate Louise sees MCB as an extended family. She said: "We have all done a number of challenges together, whether that be biking, walking or 24-hour rehearsals. While we may not be able to do this one altogether, the virtual challenge is a great motivation."
And Gillian, who is taking part alongside daughter Kira, said: "MCB is important to me as it gave both my children so much in the way of experience, friendships, confidence and much more.
"I want to raise money for ANCHOR because of Glenn and all the other 'Glenns' who are needing the support and care it provides."
To donate to the band's fundraiser, click here.
