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Fundraising concert in aid of Jigsaw4u proves a tremendous success
Published on October 30, 2009
Over 100 people attended The Jig Gig fundraising concert, held at The King’s Centre, Chessington, on Saturday 24 October in aid of children’s charity Jigsaw4u whose aim is to support children, young people and their families who have experienced grief, loss and trauma. It has offices in Mitcham and Epsom, Surrey; East Grinstead, West Sussex and St Helens, Merseyside.
Chessington resident and chief executive of the charity Anne Davies, who started it in 1997, says "We are still working out how much money was raised and we are grateful to Roger Hurrell the organiser, all the artists and people who helped make this event such a success. We’re now planning the 2010 Jig Gig."
Patron of the charity, Ed Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, was interviewed during the concert. He lost his father when he was four and his mother when he was 15. "What strikes me about Jigsaw4 is the way children who have been bereaved help others," he said. "Friendships build up between children and families until it becomes one big Jigsaw4u family – it’s unique and sometimes involves three generations."
He said there was a need for Jigsaw4u's services across the country. "We’ve put together an early day motion duty for local authorities to make sure these services are available – not necessarily to provide the services but to refer to organisations like Jigsaw4u and make people know about them. We’ve got a long way to go and I’ve had a meeting with Ed Balls." Schools play an important part, he said and they needed to know Jigsaw4u exists. "I know from my personal experience that no-one at my school knew how to handle the situation. That experience has stayed with me and had a profound influence. There should be someone in all schools who has the training and skills that are needed. That’s why we need to campaign."
Kevin Quigley, who had been through the Jigsaw4u programme, was interviewed. His wife had died 15 years ago leaving him and his daughters, aged seven and two. "Jigsaw4u made a great deal of difference," he said. "The charity gave coping strategies for me and the opportunity for the children to understand what was happening."
During her interview at the concert, Anne Davies, chief executive said: "A bereaved child can feel so alone and different and I wanted to make a difference to these children. We have some fabulous people working with us to change children’s lives across the country and internationally. For example, we’ve been working with a three year old whose mother died in her presence on Thursday and she will become part of the family of Jigsaw4u."
Both Anne and Ed said Jigsaw4u needed volunteers and people who could hold fundraising events.
At the concert ukulele playing Jem Cooke, performing with her father Dave Cooke on guitar, played tracks from her new album "I am Jem Cooke" which was on sale, with 15% going to Jigsaw4u. Other artists included Roger Hurrell, who organised The Jig Gig, on guitar; cabaret singer Julie Rayne and jazz singer Gerry Snape. Cindy Kent, formerly the lead singer of The Settlers, who presents for Premier Radio, entertained the audience with a wide repertoire including old favourites like "We’ll Meet Again". She conducted the interviews with Anne and Ed. Most artists were backed by The Peter Bye Band.
