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A cheque worth more than £1,300 has been presented to Macmillan cancer charity following a charity rock concert in Cwmcarn.

The fundraiser, held back in March at the Fork and Tune, brought together seven alternative and heavy rock bands

More than 250 people attended the event, which was organised by local musicians Jase Tatton and Huw Williams.

One of the bands who performed on the night was Black Vultures. The group’s lead guitarist, Aled Owen, lost his younger brother to cancer at just 26-years-old.

Aled said: “We’ve seen first hand what charities like Macmillan can do to help support people with cancer, and their loved ones. 

“It’s been tough, but this was a chance to hit the stage for my brother, and for the charity who helped him. 

“The crowd, the bands, the venue were all fantastic in helping to make that happen and we did him proud, like I told him I would.”

Organiser Huw Williams, who is also a member of Black Vultures, said: “It was a real collective and community-led effort, with everyone getting into the spirit of the thing and having a role to play. 

“From the venue and the sound-engineers, to the bands themselves and the people who packed out the venue to support them – everyone gave their time for free.”

Huw said the organisers would be looking to run more events like this in the future.

Meanwhile, fellow-organiser Jase Tatton, drummer and vocalist for the band Calling Dakota, said: “This was a great experience.  We took a small venue at the heart of the Gwent valleys, and we packed it out at a time when local venues and local artists have all been struggling for opportunities.

“The bands didn’t make a single penny on this, it was all about the experience – about exposing new original content bands, promoting local talent, supporting local venues, and having a really good night and raising money for charity in the process.

Macmillan fundraising manager, Nicola Newhams, said: “We can’t thank the organisers, the bands who offered their time and talent for free, the venue, and everyone who turned out on the night enough for what they have achieved.

“Every Macmillan nurse, doctor and cancer specialist has been put there by people who are willing to tirelessly fundraise on our behalf.  And this event just shows there are so may amazing ways that people find to do just that. For those who rocked, everyone at Macmillan salutes you.”

Visit macmillan.org.uk or contact Macmillan for free on 0808 808 0000 for advice or information.