Charity classical concert for hospital neurology unit

Norfolk-based music promoter Douglas Gowan has arranged for his international concert series, Music in Norfolk, to present a charity concert featuring world-class musicians in aid of the Neurology department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Mr Gowan, of Hethersett, is a patient of consultant neurologist Dr David Dick, and has been impressed by the skill and care offered by the Norwich neurology team. Mr Gowan had a serious fall at Heathrow airport a few years ago, while seeing off some friends and colleagues, and he then developed eosinophilic fasciitis, a rare and debilitating muscular condition that requires treatment by suppression of the immune system. This catastrophic accident resulted in Douglas spending two years in a wheelchair, and he still has mobility problems and falls.

Mr Gowan initially received treatment and underwent surgical procedures in Wisconsin, in the USA, and then at the world-famous Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA. However, more recently he has been more successfully treated at Norwich's teaching hospital, and is now at last making a slow if uneven recovery.

Douglas said: “Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis are very distressing not only for the person affected but also for their loved ones, and the carers. Having had personal experience of both a mother with MS, and now my own neurological condition, I can vouch for the anguish caused. However, the care I have received at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has been absolutely first-rate and I now want to help put something back into the health service for the benefit of others with such conditions.”
  
He has, therefore organised a charity concert featuring the renowned British cellist Raphael Wallfisch; the Canadian violinist Anne Shih; both of whom teach at the Mainz Hochschule, and well known British pianist John York, for June 11 [7pm] at Salle Church, near Reepham.

Douglas said: “Raphael Wallfisch is perhaps England's greatest living cellist and it's a real coup to be fortunate enough to secure such well-regarded musicians for this charity concert to benefit the disabled in Norfolk”.

The concert features the Brahms C Major Trio; The Kodaly Duo, and the Beethoven 'Ghost” Trio. Tickets cost £25 each, (including wine, soft drinks and refreshments), children attend free, and tickets are available from Prelude Records, Norwich (01603 628319), from Mr Gowan (01603 813117), or at the door.  

Proceeds will go towards the Neurology Support Service Unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, which provides a vital link between the hospital, patient, family and friends, and the carers, for those who suffer from MS, Parkinson’s, or Motor Neurone disease.