A colleague and friend of ours Nicky, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. We decided that we would like to do something as a gesture of support so decided that……we would, by people power alone, transport a piano from central Malvern to the top of the Worcestershire Beacon; an ascent of roughly 350m, in the name of Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven, who would be providing care for Nicky while she underwent chemotherapy.
We are an eclectic mix of people mostly, but not exclusively, from Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils. We had two pianists in our midst and several members of Malvern Male Voice Choir. So, on a bright and sunny Saturday June the 3rd at 11am, this most splendid escapade commenced with a musical performance at the cross roads in the centre of Malvern before setting off for the first stage of our ascent up the steeply sloping Church Street, dressed, of course, as splendid Victorian mountaineers.
There were several musical interludes during the climb, at the top of Church Street, the Earnslaw Quarry car park, outside The Wyche Inn and finishing with performances next to the trig point at the very top of the Worcestershire Beacon. My personal favourite stop was at Earnslaw Quarry car park where a very talented female soloist sang a soulful version of David Guetta’s Titanium accompanied by piano.
The day was a great success and we received loads of public support along the way. We raised nearly £4000, everyone had fun, the sun shone, Nicky herself made it to the very top of the hills despite being midway through her chemotherapy (well done Nicky) and, believe it or not, the piano made it back off the hill in one piece and in tune.