Fans to go ga ga for Queen guitar

UP for auction Daniel, left and Oliver with the guitar signed by Brian May

A GUITAR signed by Queen legend Brian May is set to earn plenty of notes for good causes close to the heart of two families.

It is being auctioned to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, Royton, at a charity night in Chadderton.

The parents of Oliver Radcliffe and Daniel Trimble have raised thousands of pounds for the Meningitis Research Foundation after their sons contracted the potentially fatal viral infection in 1999 as toddlers.

They were both admitted to intensive care, but thankfully made full recoveries. They both attended St Herbert’s Primary School, Chadderton.

Fundraising drives over the years have ranged from football tournaments to a sponsored walk from Blackpool to Bridlington, as well as an annual charity night and auction.

However, this year’s event will be even more poignant as it is also being held in memory of Daniel’s dad, Geoff. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006 and died in Dr Kershaw’s in May last year, aged 43.

Money raised from the evening at St Herbert’s Parish Centre, Broadway, on April 17, will be split between the two charities.

Daniel (13) is now a pupil at Our Lady’s, Royton, while Oliver (12) attends North Chadderton.

Items auctioned off over the years at the charity nights have included a flag from the Masters golf tournament signed by Ernie Ellis and a shirt signed by some of Great Britain’s 2008 Olympic gold medal winners. Oliver’s dad, Paul, was nominated for a Pride in Oldham award in 2006 for his fundraising.

He said: “Unfortunately Geoff died last year. His family went through a lot and we cancelled the charity night we normally have.

“Since his death his wife really wanted to do something for the Meningitis Trust Foundation and give something back to Dr Kershaw’s at the same time.”

Brian May formed Queen with flamboyant frontman Freddie Mercury, drummer Roger Taylor and bassist John Deacon in the early 1970s and went on to make numerous hits including “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “We Will Rock You” and “We are the Champions”.

A friend of Paul’s donated the black and white stratocaster guitar and said: “We are thrilled. It’s getting a lot of interest.”

The ticket-only (no children) event starts at 7pm. Tickets cost £5 from Paul on 07796675756.