A music gig was organised in honour of New College student Angelas Jack Finnan (AJ) who suddenly passed away late last year. The gig was organised by friends of AJ, and by New College student executive members Chris Pugh and Kathryn Marsdon, and took place on Wednesday 31st January.
The tribute gig, to commemorate the seventeen-year-old from Wakefield, was held at the John Godber Theate at New College, where a full house enjoyed seven live acts including bands, solo singers, a dance trio, and a solo rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill” by AJ’s younger sister, Charlotte.
The evening was opened by a speech from the Yorkshire Youth & Music charity director, Gail Dudson. All of the proceeds from ticket sales and refreshments were donated to the charity, which provides specialist projects for children in challenging circumstances across the Yorkshire region. The total amount raised of £253.63 was then doubled by the student executive to £507.26.
Kathryn, who is the charities co-ordinator on the student executive at the college said: “It was an absolute privilege to have been able to organise such a special event. The whole evening was such a success. The room was filled with emotion of happiness and sadness. It was a fantastic evening, when all the hard work paid off!”
President of the student executive, Chris Pugh, said “The evening gave people a chance to grieve, allow support and allow some closure. It was an amazing feeling to have organised the event and allowed people to come together for such a worthwhile event and charity. The event was a major success and the family were very appreciative. Despite having a short time to organise it, I had an amazing evening and the work paid off. It was very emotional but it was an honour to do something for the friends and family of AJ.”
