Ben Vivian Jones, Local Singing Groups Set for MAKE NOW DIFFERENT Benefit in Swindon

Saturday 4th November will see performers get together to help a local charity group.

'Make Now Different' is being produced by the MND Association North Wiltshire Group. Their aim is to help raise money to support local people with Motor Neurone Disease as well as raising awareness of the disease.

The evening is being spearheaded by Carrie Baxter a volunteer for the group who lost her Gramps to MND in 2015. No stranger to producing charity events, Carrie has brought together a variety of performers in memory of her Gramps.

When asked why she chose to organise the show Carrie said, "The show will mark two years since losing my Gramps to MND, I wanted to do something to celebrate his life. Gramps loved singing (albeit badly!) and dancing and would always come to watch the shows I did when I was younger as well as shows I've produced in more recent years. MND is a cruel disease and I want to be able to help support those with MND as well as their families and friends. I want to help make now different for them."

The North Wiltshire Group is run entirely by volunteers and aims to provide the best possible support to local people with MND, their families and carers. Originally formed in 1988, the group is formed of 14 volunteers but is always open for more. The group objectives are to support people affected by MND in the Swindon and North Wiltshire area, to raise awareness of MND and the MND Association and to fundraise locally. 'Make Now Different' will encompass these objectives whilst providing an evening of entertainment.

The MND Association North Wiltshire Group said, "This is a joyful way to support local people affected by MND, and we are thrilled that so many performers are excited to share their voices and talents with us."

Performing in 'Make Now Different' are local singing groups The Songbirds and The Noteables, two groups that regularly help raise money for charities whilst having fun singing. The Noteables are from all walks of life and some not only have or have had very personal dealings with Motor Neurone Disease. Some of the group work in the healthcare system and have seen from the outside how this devastating disease effects quality of life with progressive, often unpredictable life changing symptoms. Mini Pops from Local performing arts group Julie Scott's Academy will also be performing on the evening having only been together a few months. Their youngest group member is just 5 years old.

'Make Now Different' will be hosted by performer Ben Vivian Jones who most recently finished a UK tour of 'All-Male Mikado' and is no stranger to hosting charity performances. Guest performers joining the groups for the evening are Hywel Dowsell and Rebecca Gilliland. Hywel Dowsell is joining the line-up having recently performed in 'Honeymoon In Vegas', 'My Land's Shore' and previously as a guest soloist with The Soldiers in the BBC's The Festival of Remembrance. When he can Hywel enjoys doing his bit for charities including this one which is very close to his heart. Rebecca Gilliland has recently performed in 'The Hired Man' at The Union theatre following a successful run in 'My Land's Shore' as Angharad in the World Premiere in early 2017.

Join the Motor Neurone Disease Association North Wiltshire Group for this fun-filled evening of entertainment so you too can help 'Make Now Different' for local people with MND. Tickets can be booked online at www.swindontheatres.co.uk, over the phone with the ticket office team 01793 524481 or in person at Wyvern Theatre ticket office.