Six drummers, playing together non-stop for more than two days presented a cheque for £13,504 to the Craig’s Heartstrong foundation.

The Big Beat drumathon took place on February 24 and 25 this year, and saw local drummers Martin Rigby, Johnny Peacock, Steve Leach, Ben O’Hare, Noah Egelnick and Andy James play along to two days worth of live music and backing tracks, in the Promenade suite at the Villa Marina.

Along with the main event of the drumathon, there was also a series of events throughout the year such as appearances on the Bushy’s Beer Tent stage during TT week, and money was also raised through selling T-shirts and other merchandise.

One of the organisers of the Big Beat, Martin Rigby thanked the sponsors of the event and explained that the drumathon came very close to being cancelled.

’We were very close to calling it off in September 2016, as we were struggling to find a sponsor,’ said Martin.

’Thankfully Pokerstars with their ’Helping Hands’ project came along at the last minute.

’We are a small team, and a unique fundraising event such as this, raising over £13,000 is an amazing achievement.

’Our thanks go to to Paula Lunt and Paul Healey from Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation, Sue Hammett from the PokerStars, Tony Palmer from 3FM, Seamus and the team at the Villa Marina, Andy and Polly from Showtech IOM, Gary Weightman from Vannin Photos and everyone who donated cash, time or a raffle prizes to help us raise this fantastic amount.’

Paul Healey from the Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation said that they were honoured that they had been chosen by the Big Beat drummers as their chosen charity.

’These lads have really done themselves proud,’ said Paul. ’It was an honour to watch them drum over the 53 hours, to see them push themselves so much and keep it going for Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation was amazing.

’The funds they raised has already been put back into the community with more public assess defibrilators appearing round the island. Thank you Big Beat.’

by Mike Wade

twitter:@mwislandlife