Brooke’s Army Band March On

On Sunday 28th May, a Team of 75 banders, representing 22 different bands, marched the Manchester 10k to raise money for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH). Brooke’s Barmy Army have raised well over their target of £12000 which will finally give the hospital facilities to allow parents to remain with their children overnight in the Intensive Care Unit.

The event was organised by Brooke Taylor and her team. Brooke is fifteen and has been in and out of RMCH all of her life. Last year she walked the 10k with her surgeon. This year she was back with Brooke’s Barmy Army, made up of performers and runners from the brass band community.

Coming less than a week after the Manchester bombing, supporting the children’s hospital seemed an even more worthy cause, and all those who signed up took part and completed the event. The band played a moving rendition of Abide With Me following a minutes silence before taking to the start line. They also performed the poignant Don’t Look Back in Anger as they cross the finish. Videos of this on Facebook have now reached well over 250k views.

Brooke told A4B, “I have never been so grateful of what the power of friendship can do. The brass band community has once again spread its wonderful spirit to help a cause so close to my heart, to help hundreds of people. I’m proud to say I’m from the brass band community and we couldn’t have done this incredible achievement if we didn’t have the tremendous support from everyone”.

It is not too late to donate to Brooke’s cause and you can find more details on the just giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BrookesBarmyArmy2017

YouTube
https://youtu.be/vHOFqHEu0iQ
https://youtu.be/i-q5Fgu0hXU