Loose Change Buskers, the charity band started by two Altrincham musicians in 2010, has hit the £400,000 milestone in funds raised for Cancer Research UK.
The group has become a familiar part of local events such as the Greater Manchester Marathon, as well as performing their own impromptu gigs on the streets of Altrincham, Hale and beyond.
It was originally started by Timperley resident Bernard Dolan and his friend and fellow musician John Fogel, from Altrincham. Tommy Scott, a former Manchester United chef from Timperley who was well-known as a charity fundraiser for the band, died earlier this year at the age of 67.
Buskers play and travel at their own expense so that 100% of money collected goes directly to Cancer Research UK.
Every week, Dolan puts out a rallying cry to around 25 fellow musicians and whoever is free comes along to perform a set of classic tracks, from Brown Eyed Girl to Country Road.
In 2015, Loose Change won the Flame of Hope from Cancer Research UK and in 2016 was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for their support for Cancer Research UK and community work.
And last December, the band was named one of North West Tonight’s Christmas Stars for 2016.
Its next gig is this Saturday, 10 til 4pm at Wythenshawe Civic.
