A CHARITABLE musician has been overwhelmed with the sales of his first ever CD – raising £800 in just five months.
Alan Hill wanted to give something back to St Andrew's Hospice following the death of his wife, Zadie, in March.
The 1960s cover artist has always had an interest in music from a young age, but never found the confidence to do anything with it.
This changed when he reached his 50s and decided it was now or never to pursue his dream.
His late wife had told him to make a CD, but he recalls thinking little of it until after her death.
The 67-year-old said: "Zadie died from breast cancer and was cared for at the hospice during the latter part of her life.
"I tried to think of ways to say thank you to all the staff for their care and music was the only way I knew how."
Alan's CD, Songs From The Heart, features 11 well-known cover songs from artists including Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison. It was released in June and so far, 160 copies have been sold.
"I am shocked at how well people have taken to it; I never expected so much support," he said.
The CDs cost £5 each and can be bought from the hospice, in Peaks Lane, Grimsby.
Alan continued: "I perform live across the borough in various venues and take CDs with me wherever I go.
"Music is now a paid hobby and I believe my wife would have been very proud of what I have achieved.
"My highlight so far is performing at The Beachcomber with a live 16-piece orchestra.
"I am going to wait to see how well the sales of this first CD go before thinking about making another one."
Lynne Lemon, a community fundraiser for the St Andrew's Hospice, is delighted with Alan's efforts.
She said: "This is a unique way of raising much-needed funds for the hospice.
"It is incredible that Alan has used his talent to benefit others in this way.
"I have listened to his CD and it is great, well worth the £5 he is selling it for.
"We are always looking for innovative ways of raising money and we can not thank Alan enough for his continuing work."
