Mods and rockers

Scooter enthusiast and charity supporter Mick Harwood

A KIND-HEARTED entrepreneur will launch his support for a teenage cancer charity with a fund-raising day of music on Saturday.

Mick Harwood, who supplies riding wear and mod-style street fashion to scooter enthusiasts, has pledged 2.5 per cent of his sales proceeds to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The music extravaganza, at the Oddies Bar, Royton, is the first in a number of fund-raising events Mick hopes will help him reach a £10,000 target for the charity.

Local band Where’s Strutter headline Saturday’s gig, supported by Sharp Darts, from across the Pennines — winners of the Yorkshire Scooter Alliance Battle of the Bands contest.

Mick explained: “The idea is that teenage bands playing to an audience from the age of 14 to raise funds for their peers who are battling against cancer.

“There will be a soft-drinks-only policy in the main arena for the afternoon event so that youngsters can enjoy the sort of gig in safety.”

Afternoon music under the banner of “If The Kids Are United” after the Sham 69 classic, will be followed by an evening session entitled “Scoots, Suits and Boots, Give The Boot to Teenage Cancer” headlined by local ska/indie band D.I.L.E, and supported by Royton’s own pocket rocket Matt Cummings and 5ft Fez with 2-Tone Tony on DJ duty.

Matt is only 12-years-old, but has already supported Little Man Tate, The Beat and Bad Manners among many others, as well as wowing crowds on the demanding scooter rally circuit.

Mick, who only began trading three months ago, said he wanted his business to have a social agenda. His support for the charity is a way of connecting with customers that is difficult for an e-commerce business to achieve.

He added: “I know full well the charitable nature of the scootering community. Our customers want to help and so do we.”

The main aim of the trust is to provide specialist units for teenagers and young people within NHS hospitals.

Tickets for the afternoon show (1-6pm) are priced £3 — and £5 for the evening event, which starts at 7pm.

They are available from Mick on 0161 633-5714, 07932 250535, or online at www.scootssuitsandboots.com.