Posted: 27/04/21
A challenged world is an alert world. From challenge comes change. And from change, comes transformation.
As many of our regular followers will know, Derwent Brass are huge supporters of Brass for Africa and are advocates of all the fantastic work they do. Aside from being the first english brass band to make a gold pledge to their brass band scheme, we have organised our own fundraising events, promote their good work and are generally partnered to them as a charity, alongside our other charitable initatives.
Recently Brass for Africa started a new campaign - #ChooseToChallenge. The goal - to bring equality to 50 disadvantaged girls and young women, in some of the world's most improverished communities, in one of the most challenging years.
In the East African country of Uganda, the threat of COVID-19, a soaring rate of out-of-school girls and an escalating rise in female unemployment, have made the need for life-skills more essential than ever. It costs £350 to provide 1 girl with music and life-skills education for a year, so the overall target was to fundraise £17,500, through donations that will have a direct impact.
Cat Johnston, the band's Flugel Horn player, is no stranger to fitness, reguarly running and cycling considerable distances. So, as part of the charity's 'Race for Equality' campaign, Cat set about preparing for a marathon which took place on Sunday 11th April - the Marathon De Tissington - a gruelling 26 mile journey from Thorpe to Cromford.
Not only did Cat smash her PB with a time of 3:50:58, averaging 8:49 per mile, but she also toppled the fundraising target of £400 with a massive £910!
James Trott MBE, the Executive Director and Founder of Brass for Africa commented: "A brilliant achievement Cat! Everyone at Brass for Africa is very impressed and very grateful!"
Well done to Cat for a great performance and another donation to the fantastic organisation Brass for Africa.
For more information on Brass for Africa visit www.brassforafrica.org
