Brass Bands England CEO, Kenny Crookston, is taking on a mammoth cycling challenge on Sunday 28 May 2023 to raise funds for the BBE Brass Foundations education programme. By completing the Ford RideLondon-Essex 100, Kenny will be cycling a whopping 100 miles through the heart of London, into Essex and back again, riding towards a spectacular finish at the iconic Tower Bridge.
Here’s what he had to say: “I do believe that Brass Foundations is a truly fantastic initiative; providing opportunity, resources and access to music for children and young people who may not be fortunate enough to otherwise take part.
The benefits of learning music at a young age are vast and hugely significant and we want to give as many children and young people as possible the opportunity to pick up a musical instrument and learn.”
Brass Foundations began life in January 2021 and has since then gone from strength-to-strength, enabling thousands of young people to play a brass instrument, hear professional musicians, and connect with local bands.
Kenny’s challenge follows Woodfalls Band's Claire Mitchell's 'icy plunge' outdoor swim, which took place on the morning of the West of England regional brass band finals in Torquay, also raising funds for Brass Foundations.
Kenny continued: “I’m not the first to push myself for a cause I believe in and I definitely won’t be the last. BBE is a charitable organisation and we need to fundraise to support our services, and I’m hoping this ride highlights that. I’m looking forward to the 100 mile ride. It’s been some years now since I took on a challenge of this size, but the results will be worth it!”
Those wishing to support Kenny’s efforts can do so via his Just Giving page.