Case Study: pBone Extreme Busking Part Two

If you had told me a year ago that this bank holiday weekend I would have just completed the Three Peaks Challenge, I would have laughed - nervously probably, because I didn't even know what it was! However, that is what has just happened. I took part in a group of 30 musicians, a brass band, and climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon, with instruments, and performed on all three peaks within 24 hours.

Extreme pBone Busking: Part Two

It was the crazy idea of James Parkinson, whose mum was diagnosed with MS 20 years ago and whose father had taken a band to Ben Nevis when he was a child. Living in Cambridgeshire, one of the flattest parts of the country, made training interesting, but those of us taking part from East London Brass, where James and I both are members, managed to take some trips up north to find a few hills.

I had a discussion with James about whether I could take just a pBone with me - alas he insisted I should be carrying a 'brass' instrument like everyone else. I couldn't help but feel this was the ideal place to take one so contacted pBone who kindly sent me a shiny pink one and gave a donation to the charity. I am very glad I did take it, as Ben Nevis with a 'real'  trombone was about all I could manage, so the pBone is what made it up all 3 with me!

It was the hardest thing I have ever done, and I think was tough for everyone at different times, but the group quickly became like a family and we all helped each other in their difficult moments. It has turned out to be a life-changing event - 3 Peaks Brass is already looking out for a new challenge for next year, and most importantly we have raised almost £18,000 so far, with money still coming in, for the MS Society and their amazing work helping those with this awful disease.