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Blown away and overwhelmed

The brass band community came out in supportive force to help former Fairey baritone star Keith Muggeridge raise funds for the service that saved his life.

Keith Muggeridge
  The man who survived this has made sure that the service that saved him has benefited.

Former Fairey Band baritone star Keith Muggeridge has told 4BR that he was 'blown away and overwhelmed' after a band full of friends and brass band stars supported a concert he promoted to help raise funds for the Air Ambulance Service in Milton Keynes.

Packed audience

Around £5000 was raised at the event held at Christ The Cornerstone Church, where stars such as Thomas Fountain, principal cornet of the Virtuosi GUS Band thrilled a packed audience.

Towcester Studio Band started the musical evening off under the direction of Neil Brownless with a set that included 'Nightingale Dances' as well as Thomas playing 'Dark Haired Marie'. Horn soloist Samantha Buckland also showed what a great singer she is with 'I Dreamed a Dream'.

All in all, I couldn't have dreamed it would have been such a great night that raised around £5000 for a fantastic service that I owe my life toKeith Muggeridge

So grateful

Keith added: "I'm so grateful to all members of the all star ensemble. I must admit I'm hard pushed to think of a band with a better top two cornets than Thomas and Fairey Band stalwart Brian Taylor!

On a personal it was amazing having Rob Richardson and Paul Haigh, two of the finest baritone players around in the same section, and having legends Martin Britt and Phil Blake-Convey providing the sop topping and tuba foundation was also amazing.

I'm just so grateful to everyone who took part in this band led brilliantly by Mark Peacock.

Saved my life

He added: "All in all, I couldn't have dreamed it would have been such a great night that raised around £5000 for a fantastic service that I owe my life to."

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