We’re thrilled that Only Boys Aloud alumnus Andrew North felt so inspired by his time in OBA, that to celebrate his birthday, he decided to hold a Facebook Fundraiser in aid of The Aloud Charity! Andrew is now 22 and really enjoys working as a Ward Host for the NHS at Grange University Hospital.
We caught up with Andrew to find out what motivated him to hold a personal fundraiser event and hear about his experiences in OBA.
So first of all, tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Andrew. I joined OBA in October 2012 and have been a member for 8 years and I am a First Tenor. I am based and sing with the Cwmbran group.
What inspired you to fundraise for The Aloud Charity for your birthday this year?
I wanted to do a fundraiser for The Aloud Charity because OBA has done so much for me over the years and has changed my life since I joined as a young boy. It’s made me into a more confident man and I wanted to give something back in return.
What tips would you give to somebody who’s considering holding a personal fundraiser?
The tips I would recommend to somebody would be to choose a charity that is very close to their heart and that they would like to support in any way they can. Anything that they can raise will make a difference to that charity and their contribution would be much appreciated.
Are you planning to hold a fundraising event again?
Yes, I am hoping to do a fundraiser again. When things get back to normal, I would like to run a Half Marathon for The Aloud Charity hopefully in 2021 or 2022. I’m also hoping I can raise as much as possible when the time comes.
How did OBA change your perspective – were you inspired at all to sing professionally or study music further?
This is a great question! When I first joined, I was very shy at first and had no confidence at all, and had no knowledge in music, so I didn’t know what to think and what I wanted to do. After my very first concert, I knew I wanted to take things further with music. I had a lot of respect for the music we sang and gave all my passion in every song and concert on that stage. But things do get in your way as even though my confidence grew, it still affected me. But whilst I’m not studying music, my love for music is still just as strong! I have joined another choir in Blaenavon Male Voice Choir to carry on what I love; to go on that stage and sing my heart out for the audience.
What was your favourite OBA memory?
Oh wow, there are so many memories and it’s so difficult to choose! All the concerts and the experiences I have had with OBA have been amazing and incredible and I will always be grateful. I’ve got two in mind that really stick out – that is the tour to Ypres in November 2017 which was breath-taking and emotional, and to sing at Menin Gate and the memorials was an absolute honour. But if I had to choose my favourite memory – it would be singing at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s 60th Coronation Gala in 2013. I don’t think anything will ever beat this; it was such an amazing experience to sing with the boys and Katherine Jenkins on the stage in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, and to sing to an audience in their thousands and to the Royal Family. Just an incredible opportunity for someone who wants to do what they love!
If you would like to hold a Facebook Fundraiser in aid of The Aloud Charity like Andrew, just head to ‘Fundraisers’ on your Facebook News Feed and select ‘The Aloud Charity!’
Or, you feel inspired to fundraise in other ways and need some support then we would love to hear from you!
