Singing cancer charity in desperate need of a new home
Song for Christie's was set up 13 years ago by Burnley-born Peter Quinn, who - after receiving treatment at the Christie NHS Cancer Trust in Manchester - wanted to pour his efforts into fundraising after recovering from bowel cancer.
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Hide AdBased above the Craft Cafe Bar in Burnley town centre, Songs for Christie's have just two weeks to find a new home after the building's owner, Thwaites - who have been providing the charity with free premises out of which to work - decided to sell the establishment.
"We're desperate," said Peter (63). "We've got two weeks to find somewhere else - a new home in Burnley. We want to carry on and if we lose out home, what are we going to do?
"Thwaites have been fabulous, I have no qualms at all," he added. "They've really been our sponsor for a long, long time because they've helped us that much. The fact that they're selling is is just unfortunate."
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Hide AdSongs for Christie is the country's best-loved singing charity group, touring across the north to visit and sing in town centres to raise for four cancer charities - The Christie Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust, Children with Cancer, and Cancer Research UK.
"We've raised £600,000 for cancer charities: we're called Songs for Christie's, but other charities saw us and we started fundraising for them as well," explained Peter. "I love it. Singing gives you wings; it's uplifting, it's therapeutic, and music engages with people.
"Some of our singers are five years old: we're unique, it's fabulous and it bring people together."
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Hide AdRun entirely by volunteers, Songs for Christie's is looking for a space - anything from a room above a shop or a small space in an office - out of which they can store their equipment and to complete the admin work necessary to secure council permits for their fundraising efforts.
"We're a little family," said Peter. "It's not about raising money, it's about giving people who are disenfranchised by life an opportunity to be involved and get into a social group - that's the most important thing."
Anyone who can help, please contact Peter Quinn on 07528 454 444