Archive for June, 2010

Giving it Back

Over one hundred Northern Soul dancers turned out to Campbell’s Caravan Club to celebrate the memory of a much loved local business man – John Connolly, and to meet with friends and raise money for Soul Aid.

A cheque for £1000 was presented from the founders of Soul Aid to John’s wife, daughter, friend and colleague, which they have dedicated to Heartbeat; a Preston based charity that helps local people recover and rebuild their lives after suffering from heart illness, heart attack, cardiac surgery, angina and some types of stroke.

From left to right: Michael Campbell, Maureen Connolly, Clive Farly, Rachel Connolly, James Bamber, and Steve Curry.

Soul Aid has been running for almost ten years and in that time has raised over £50,000 for local charities, including Rainbow House, St Catherine’s Hospice, Derrian House and Sue Ryder.

Steve Curry, one of Soul Aids founders, said “It keeps growing and growing. I never thought we would get to our tenth year”.

Most recently the group has launched Make a Wish, an initiative that aims to make local dreams come true.

Through Make a Wish a young child with cancer was taken by stretch limo for a special shopping experience in Preston whilst their home was being redecorated. Make a Wish is now supporting Diane Dillon to raise over £30,000 to buy a heart scanner at Royal Preston Hospital.

Michael Campbell, who offers his caravan club to the event was keen to thank everyone for their support and dedication to making the nights such a great occasional for all. “We have great support. It’s a local community, a local event and we are a small club, but people do seem to enjoy it”.

John Connolly himself was well known for his exceptional contribution to local charities and events. He gave generously to St Catherine’s Hospice, Longton Fate, and New Longton Football Club. He also gave time and energy to the local church, bowling club and school, building the stage and lights for the St Oswald’s Christmas concerts.

At the Northern Soul event Maureen Connolly said “John would have been in his element. Soul Aid captures his greatest passions: charity and his well known love for a great party”.

The next Soul Aid event will be held at Leyland & Farington Social Club on Fri 9th July 2010.

If you are a local business and would like to sponsor a Soul Aid event please email Steve Curry at stevecolors@tiscali.co.uk

More information can be found at the dedicated Soul Aid website http://www.soulaid.co.uk

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Written and prepared for the Lancashire Evening Post.

You can also listen to an audio interview with Steve Curry and Michael Campbell at AudioBoo http://audioboo.fm/boos/137230-soul-aid