Students raise cash for Ups and Downs theatre company

Jul 10 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

HNC music students from Motherwell College raised £560 when they held a ‘College of Rock’ gig last month for the ‘Ups and Downs’ Theatre Group.

The students were inspired by classmate Myles Leggatt’s story of his little brother Ellis (9).

Ellis, of Hamilton, is a member of the Lanarkshire-based theatre group, which is for young people with Downs Syndrome.

Ellis, who attends St John’s Primary School in Hamilton, gets great joy out of participating in the drama group’s activities.

As part of their course work the students had to organise an event.

They thought there could be no better way to focus on the task than by helping a good local cause at the same time.

The gig was held at the Jack Daniels bar in Motherwell.

The audience was treated to everything from pop to punk and rock to Kenny Rodgers.

Along with the money the students raised from ticket sales, the venue generously donated a Motherwell Football Club signed shirt – one of the last to be signed by Phil O’Donnell.

Myles said: “We were absolutely chuffed with the money we collected and we had a great time raising it too. The creative arts, media and design staff at the college were really supportive of us – and we passed the course work!”

He added: “It was very inspiring and everyone from ‘Ups and Downs’ sent a huge vote of thanks to all at Motherwell College and to those who contributed to the fund-raiser.”

For more information on the Ups and Downs Theatre Group contact the theatre’s president, John Crawford on 01698 303231.