A SONG written by a Downend man has raised £2,000 to support a community project running free accessible concerts.
Dominic Carey wrote the Christmas song, called ‘Time To Celebrate (We’ve Made It Through Another Year)’, after learning that the Music Train needed money to support its work.
Dom, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, regularly takes part in Music Train sessions.
He wrote the lyrics and worked with Benny Hayes, a professional musician who plays at Music Train sessions and grew up in Downend, to record the song.
An online fundraising page for the song raised £2,040, including an anonymous £1,000 donation.
Dom wrote the song after the group’s grant from South Gloucestershire Council’s Learning Difficulties Development Fund ended.
The grant was originally supposed to be a one-off to set up the project in 2013, but the council was able to keep up its support for 12 years.
Founder Liz Gray started the Music Train at Avon Valley Railway in Bitton. After three years it started holding events across South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath, with help from Staple Hill-based charity Milestones Trust and individual donations.
In January the project was adopted by Paul’s Place, a Yate-based charity which supports people with physical disabilities from a newly-refurbished centre in Yate.
The money Dom has raised and funds from the Milestones Trust will secure Music Train events for the next six months, after which time Paul’s Place will be able to apply for new funding.
Dom said: “I’m absolutely over the moon with how big and successful my Christmas song has become.
“The song raised over £2,000 towards Music Train events, and we’ve managed to link up with Paul’s Place to give Music Train a safe and secure future.
“Huge thanks to Paul’s Place and Milestones Trust for making this happen.”
Liz said: “As the Music Train moves into a new era with Paul’s Place, I would like to thank Avon Valley Railway, Milestones Trust, the Learning Difficulties Development Fund at South Gloucestershire, Quartet and other funders and private funders who have supported us since 2013, making it possible to hold over 700 events.
“Also I would like to thank Kingswood and Emersons Green town councils, Downend & Bromley Heath and Staple Hill & Mangotsfield parish councils for their support.”
Paul’s Place has set up a new fundraising page for Music Train at tinyurl.com/42be2wat.
Chief executive Lynda Williams said: “We are honoured to be adopting The Music Train and look forward to working closely with Liz to ensure this much-loved and essential service not only continues but grows.”
In February Music Train will be at Staple Hill Methodist Church on the 2nd from 1.15-2.45pm, Christ Church on the 12th and 26th from 11.30am-1pm and Resound in Blackhorse Road on the 5th from 1.30-3pm.