Accordion fundraiser John wins Pride of Manchester Award

A prolific busker from Macclesfield has been honoured for his tireless fundraising for East Cheshire NHS Trust’s charity at the recent Pride of Manchester Awards.

John Jones, aged 80, has been playing the accordion in and around the hospital and around the local area for over 32 years, raising a total sum of over £110,000 for the Trust. Altogether, John has raised over £340,000 for various causes.

Coronation Street stars Sair Khan, Ellie Leach and Colton Smith awarded John the Fundraiser of the Year award during the Pride of Manchester ceremony held at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on 10^th May.

Originally from Manchester, John’s fundraising journey started in 1991, when during a routine visit to Macclesfield District General Hospital he saw posters appealing to the public to raise money for a CT scanner. John offered to start collecting money by busking in the hospital corridors, and over the years has entertained many patients and their families across the wards, whilst raising vital funds which helped to provide a CT Scanner, an MRI Scanner, and other medical equipment for Macclesfield Hospital.

John said: “When I saw the poster up in Macclesfield Hospital advertising a big appeal raising money for a scanner I said to my wife, I might be able to have a go busking for that, I’ll see what they think and give it a go. Little did I know how much it would change my life!”

More recently, he has been fundraising for Macclesfield Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in memory of his wife, June, who sadly passed away in Intensive care in March 2020.

John’s passion for the accordion was passed down from his adoptive father who used to play the instrument to him as a youngster. His enjoyment at hearing the accordion music spurred him on to teach himself over the years. Once COVID restrictions lifted John started to busk in and around Macclesfield Hospital to fundraise for the Intensive Care Unit.

The day John received his Pride of Manchester award on May 10^th marked eleven years to the day since he received Royal appreciation when he received his MBE from Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace for his charitable work.

Lorraine Jackman, Director of Corporate Affairs and Governance, said: “It is because of people like John who give their time to fundraise for our charity that we can fund additional things that enhance the experience for our patients and their families. We are very grateful to John for his tireless fundraising for us, and delighted that he has been recognised in the Pride of Manchester awards.”