Local musician to hold fundraising ukulele evening for UHNM cancer services

A local musician is inviting people to tune up their strings and join in a fundraising ukulele evening for UHNM Charity.

Peter Wood, also known as ‘Plinky Plonky Pete’, has arranged ‘Uke Aid’, a ukulele jam and singalong in aid of UHNM Charity at the Lucky Penny pub in Stafford on Thursday 27 March.

Funds raised from Uke Aid will go towards local cancer care at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).

Peter said: “I’ve arranged Uke Aid as a thank you to the staff at the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s Cancer Centre following treatment for prostate cancer in 2020.

“It was successful, my PSA levels have remained low, and I want to arrange a fundraising event to support the Cancer Centre’s wonderful work.”

The 77-year-old, originally from Bucknall but now living near Stafford, has racked up almost 20,000 views on Youtube for his series of parody songs paying homage to the Potteries and surrounding areas including ‘Stuck in the Middle of Crewe’, ‘24 Hours from Tunstall’, and ‘Highway to Chell’.

Those in attendance will be able to join in with a variety of popular songs from the Tin Pan Alley era, modern pop songs, country and rock’n’roll.

Peter has so far raised almost £1,500 for UHNM Charity through his performances and events.

Peter said: “The aim of the Uke Aid is to make music, make money and save lives from cancer, with admission a donation to UHNM Charity. As well as ukulele players, their partners, family, and friends are also invited to attend. There will be bar facilities and printed copies of the music will also be available.

“There will also be the opportunity to join in with one of my parody songs which are now available on Spotify on my new album “Songs in the Key of Stoke”.

“I’d like to thank the people of the Potteries and Staffordshire for their incredible support of my songs which pay tribute to my hometown. What started off as a bit of musical fun has turned into something that has exceeded my expectations and by arranging this event I feel I can give something back to the local community by fundraising for UHNM Charity.”

For those who are unable to attend but would like to join in with the fun, Peter will be live streaming the event on Plinky Plonky Pete’s YouTube channel.

Click here to donate to Peter's fundraising.