Wigan singer smashes charity fundraising target

Neil Dunlop, from Standish, who sang from his front garden to celebrate carers during lockdown, wanted to raise £1,400 for The Christie.

This was to help a friend raise money for the cancer hospital as they are being treated there.

Neil raised the cash during four gigs, including nine hours of singing at his local The Albion in its new beer garden.

He said: “I’m trying to raise money for Cancer research for The Christie because so many families have been affected by this

“I’m overjoyed to raise so much money.”

The Christie charity provides enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds for more than 44,000 cancer patients treated at The Christie every year. Your support can help to fund life-changing and potentially life-saving projects that will benefit cancer patients both now and in the future.

Neil sang on Thursday nights throughout the Clap For Carers celebrations with people living in Standish saying they could hear him from across the village.

His performances have sparked comments from a number of locals about how uplifting they have been at a time of crisis.

He added: “Thanks to everyone who contributed and especially to The Albion’s Kev and Becky Goudy and all the staff and customers.”

Since the lockdown, Neil isn’t the only person to belt out classics from his driveway. In Appley Bridge, another Neil, Neil Makinson has performed ’80s hits from a makeshift stage outside his home as neighbours watched on from their front doors.

One gig saw music fanatic Neil become something of an online sensation, racking up more than 11,000 views on a Facebook Live video.

To add to Neil Dunlop’s fundraising total visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Neil-Dunlop01