A STRUMMER with Worcester Ukulele Club is helping to raise money for a charity close to her heart.

Beverly Abbs and her fellow players will be playing at a city shopping centre to raise money for for the Worcester and District Branch of Parkinson’s, which provide support for people and their families living with the condition.

Her husband John died after a brave battle with the disease six years ago. They were both former sub-editors at the Worcester News.

Beverly said: "I nominated Worcester and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK as this years charity for Worcester Ukulele Club in memory of my husband John. He died six and a half years ago and battled with the disease for 12 years.

"Parkinson’s UK supported us from beginning to end. I hope that raising money for the charity will help them continue the excellent work they do.”

READ MORE Readers react to Extinction Rebellion's planned Worcester protest

A spokesman for Worcester and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK, said: “Local branches receive no financial support from the national organisation, so the money raised will go locally towards supporting both people with Parkinson’s and their carers, by way of subsidising the various classes that are held, as well as providing financial assistance, by way of a small grant scheme, to support, for example, travel, respite care and various therapies.

“The branch is indebted to the Worcester Ukulele Club for its efforts, as well as the public who have contributed in raising such a magnificent sum.

Almost 40 members have signed up to take turns in playing at the CrownGate event on Saturday, October 26 and city mayor, cllr Allah Ditta has promised to visit the band at midday to join in the fun.

The players will also join the Merry Trembloes, the Worcester and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK singing group, at a concert at St Peter’s Church, Eden Close, Worcester, on Friday, October 11, in an evening of free entertainment to which everyone is welcome and will also help to swell the funds.