A Matlock man, whose brother has epilepsy, has organised a mini music festival for charity. Scott Parkes will host a day of music by local bands and DJs on Saturday 25 August at the Gate Inn in Tansley. Scott will be raising vital funds for three charities, including Epilepsy Action. The charity provides advice and support to the 600,000 people with epilepsy in the UK. Scott is also raising funds for Help for Heroes and the British Heart Foundation.
Scott, who lives in Tansley, is organising the event, called Gatefest, as his brother James, aged 21, has epilepsy. He also hopes the event will give recognition to local musicians. As well as performances by local bands, there will also be other entertainment, including a bouncy castle. All the acts have given their time for free. Scott hopes to raise around £100 for each of the three charities.
Scott, 24, said: “My younger brother James has epilepsy after being diagnosed when he was 16 and it has been difficult for everyone to come to terms with. That’s why one of my chosen charities is Epilepsy Action. I also hope the event will help local bands increase their profiles, there are so many good local bands and they don’t get the recognition they deserve. I love live music and will be performing twice myself in my band Pillars of Autumn, a metal band, and then as Garage Inc, where I’ll be playing acoustic songs.
“I hope lots of people come down and support the event and help make is a successful event for the three charities.”
The event takes place from 12.00pm on Saturday 25 August at the Gate Inn, Tansley. Entry is free but donations to the charities is appreciated. The money raised for Epilepsy Action will help to support the charity’s work all over the UK. Epilepsy Action campaigns to improve epilepsy services and raise awareness of epilepsy. It also provides a national network of support groups, funds a specialist nurse scheme, holds regular regional conferences and has a freephone and email helpline.
Epilepsy affects one in every 103 people in the UK alone and 87 people are diagnosed with the condition every day. Last year Epilepsy Action directly helped 1.1 million people through its range of services.
For more information about epilepsy and Epilepsy Action, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk