Colin Coombes, from Radstock, has spent the last ten years dedicated to raising funds for Great Western Air Ambulance, totalling an incredible £10,000 for the charity through his love of music.

Celebrating his efforts, Colin told The Journal: “I have always enjoyed singing and up to 2013, I used to occasionally go to care homes with a friend who played the guitar and we would do a few songs together.

“He left to go up North to live and nothing happened for a while. Then a good friend who played guitar for a band called The Sneakers, kindly gave me a big computer programme of songs. After a while I managed to get enough 50, 60, and 70’s songs together to be able to put on a music night.

“I must be perfectly honest, I wasn’t very confident at the time that I would be able to do it. But someone I knew had to call on the Air Ambulance because of an emergency, and so I thought that people might take a chance and support the evening if I did it as a fundraiser for the Great Western Air Ambulance.

“To my surprise, it was a well supported night and we raised some money. So over the years it has just gone on.

“I have been lucky enough to be able to hold music nights over the years at places like Haydon Que Club (where I first started), Welton Rovers Football Club, Timsbury Royal British Legion, Radstock Working Men’s Club, Birthday Parties, and small social afternoon meetings.

“I would like to express my very grateful thanks to all my friends and family and everyone who has supported my efforts over the years to raise funds for the Great Western Air Ambulance.

“The generosity shown and given by the donations of raffle prizes, buying raffle tickets, coming along to the music nights, and the giving of donations of money has been wonderful.

“After a while, as the amount raised increased, I thought it would be nice to try and raise £10,000. It has taken ten years, but thanks to the many wonderful people who live in the area, we have finally got there.

“I hope we can all carry on a little longer and raise a few more pounds for this very worthwhile charity. They are a dedicated team of very highly trained medical people, and are here to help anyone who is in need of urgent medical treatment and have saved many lives over the years.”

Colin will be performing at Timsbury British Legion Club on Saturday, 28th October where he will continue to raise funds for Great Western Air Ambulance.