Squeezing out the cash

Accordionist Karen Street plays in Manchester to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK

TOP accordionist Karen Street is performing a concert in Oldham in memory of her late father who had dementia.

She plays at Holy Trinity Church, Waterhead, next month as part of her Big Squeeze tour in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Her father, Jack, grew up and worked in Oldham before moving to Burton-on-Trent and died last year aged 88.

He inspired Karen to start playing the accordion at the age of 12 and she has previously toured with the Strictly Come Dancing Live band.

“My dad suffered from a type of dementia which shares characteristics of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease,” said Karen (52).

“I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the audiences at my concerts to support this worthy cause and raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, which funds more dementia research in the UK than any other charity. My programme is a mixture of styles including classical, folk, jazz and light music so it really shows off the instrument and its versatility.

“It’s amazing to perform with such a positive focus to raise money for the research experts.”

Karen has played 18 Big Squeeze concerts across the country and raised more than £3,400 — almost triple her target of £1,200 in 12 months.

She plays at Holy Trinity Church at 7.30pm on December 7. Admission is free with a collection for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Jodie Vaughan, the charity’s senior community fundraising officer, said: “There are 820,000 people across the UK living with dementia today, including more than 6,400 people in Manchester and Oldham alone.

“Research is the only answer to defeat dementia, but funding for research still lags far behind other serious diseases.

“We can’t thank Karen enough for her dedication, hard work and ongoing commitment.”