Bosom pals in fundraising gig (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Bosom pals in fundraising gig

10:20pm Thursday 24th December 2009

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WHEN it comes to charity fundraisers, they rarely come as personal, or as consistent, as this.

Southend rockers Soliss will once again be raising cash for a cause close to their hearts when they play Chinnerys, on Sunday.

It’s the fourth time the five-piece have played their annual charity gig in aid of Southend Hospital, after guitarist Mike Hawes was treated for cancer there.

Diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2005, Mike underwent chemotherapy at the hospital during 2006, and has been clear for the last two years.

All proceeds from the show will go to the hospital’s Bosom Pals Appeal, which is raising £750,000 to bring state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic equipment to the breast care unit.

“This is the fourth year Soliss have done a fundraising concert for the hospital, and we’ll keep on doing it, in recognition of what they did for me,” says Mike, 24.

“It’s my chance to say a big thank you to everybody who supported me through my illness, and give something back.”

Last year’s gig raised £1,150 for the fund, and the band were invited on a tour of the unit where they presented staff with a cheque.

Over the last three years the group have raised more than £3,000 for the hospital.

Mike adds: “It is absolutely amazing the work they do and we want to help it continue.”

Formed in 2007, Soliss – vocalist Ben Selleck, lead guitarist Adam Wright, Paul Beddow on bass, drummer Ben Rudge and Mike – are a riff heavy, high energy rock band.

They describe themselves as the spiritual heirs of AC/DC, blended with the catchy, sing along hooks and good looks of McFly.

They will be joined by Noxcuse and special guest DJ Loud Love Rob for the gig, in Marine Parade, Southend. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are £4.

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