Details of Aled's and Katie's charity concert, which raised an amazing £250,000 in an auction for the BBC's Children In Need charity, is featured in an article in the Manchester Evening News.....

Melua to help raise roof

Dianne Bourne
6/ 5/2008

IF you sold your business for an estimated £225m, it would be quite understandable if you never lifted a finger again.

But not so for millionaire businessman Martin Ainscough.

He sold his Wigan-based crane hire company last year, but despite the megabucks deal he's now set up his own charitable foundation and is determined to help others benefit from his wealth.

He's set the ball rolling in impressive style by staging a huge charity concert later this month.

For Martin is the man who paid a massive £250,000 to secure the services of Katie Melua and Aled Jones for a private function in a BBC Children In Need auction last year.

He originally planned to hold the gig in an intimate bar setting in the city centre.

But eyeing the opportunity to raise even more cash for one of his favourite charities, The Prince's Trust, he's now planning a musical spectacular in the impressive surroundings of new Cheshire venue Davenport Green Hall.

He laughs: "I never anticipated it was going to be quite as big as this. It's mushroomed somewhat, but it's fantastic to be able to raise so much more for charity."

Around 500 guests have paid £250 a ticket for the exclusive bash and more money will be raised on the night by a raffle and one special auction - to win a guitar signed by Miss Melua herself. Martin's aim is to raise another £250,000 on the night.

He says: "The reality is when I bought the original prize at the Children in Need auction, it was always with the hope that I could raise another £250,000 for another charity. I like Katie Melua and Aled Jones very much.

"But unfortunately I can't afford the Rolling Stones," he joked.

Martin and his family will be out in force at the event on May 20, and he says he's now looking forward to doing more for charity by setting up his own foundation.

He says: "It's a great privilege to be in a position where you can give to charities like this.

"We're doing our best to make sure the money we raise is well spent, and that it goes directly to help people. We're going to run it like a business."

For tickets for the Katie Melua and Aled Jones gig call Sharon Griffiths at The Prince's Trust on 01244 403067.

The article can be found at....

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/entertainment/music/rock_and_pop/s/1048344_melua_to_help_raise_roof

Susie xx

Tonight is the night that Aled and Katie perform in the massive fundraising concert! Aled mentioned on Dawn Patrol this morning that he was excited but nervous and will be performing 4 songs, with Katie performing 4 1/2 ! He said there was to be a wonderful sit-down dinner and that the cast of Coronation Street would be there. He bubbled with excitement, hoping he might be able to have a photo taken with them. The celebrity thinking he's just a member of the public, eh? Bless him!

Despite a repertoire for the evening of just 4 songs, he said to expect him to sound like Barry White after 2 hour's sleep, tomorrow on the Dawn Patrol,and asked Lyn Bowles to go easy on him in the morning.

Warmest wishes to Aled ( and Katie of course) for a fabulous evening. I know he's worth every penny of the huge amount already raised for charity, and the further amounts I believe they're aiming for, at tonight's gala concert. Have a wonderful evening Aled!

Susie xx

There's an interesting article from the Manchester Evening News that I was just sent, that outlines Martin Ainscough and Aled's and Katie's concert tonight.

The link is at....

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1050359_giving_something_back

Susie xx

hi everyone, hear is a link to an article that i have found on the concert he is doing for the guy who bid 250 thousand pounds for children in need. the link is:  

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1050359_giving_something_back 

 hope you enjoy reading it and please give your comments.

 from isobel