MUSIC students will come together for a Kidderminster concert next week to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts.

Mike Smith Guitar Academy has organised the charity show at Kidderminster Town Hall on Friday, March 23 from 7.30pm to raise money and awareness for the Stroke Association.

Mike Smith was moved to put on the gig after one of his students, 18-year-old Vikki Matthews, suffered a stroke last year.

The concert will feature academy students of all ages and abilities, performing a variety of popular songs from various genres to an audience consisting primarily, of friends and family after having raised sponsor money in order to perform.

All profits from the show will go to the Local Stroke Association.

Guitar student Vikki suffered her stroke on February 20 last year after suffering from weeks of considerable pain. Her particular stroke, Venous Sinus Thrombosis, resulted in a bleed on her brain.

Three months prior to her stroke, she had been prescribed the combined contraceptive pill. Her haematologist and stroke consultant told her a combination of the pill and an undiagnosed blood clotting condition was likely to have caused the stroke.

She said: “Ever since my experience, I have been desperately trying to bring attention to the fact that people of any age can suffer the devastation of a stroke.

“Mike suggested putting together a concert whereby, I and his other students could raise money and awareness to the dangers of a stroke, thereby directly helping those who have been unfortunate enough to have experienced this condition.

“The funding raised from the concert will go towards helping patients receive the treatment and therapies they desperately require and help towards the ongoing research campaigns.

“The thought that the planned student show will make a difference means a lot to me as, just like everyone else, I thought that sort of thing would never happen to me.”

Claire Weaver, Community and Events Fundraiser for the Stroke Association, added: “With around 100,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every five minutes - it is vital that we have people who can raise funds for people affected by stroke.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Mike, Vikki and the Guitar Academy students for arranging this concert to fundraise and raise awareness of stroke.

“The money will go a long way in helping to support others living in Worcestershire whose lives have been impacted by this devastating condition.”

Tickets cost £10 and £6 for students and can be bought from Mike on 07749 836641 or email mike608@btinternet.com.

People can also donate by visiting: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/MikeSmithGuitarAcademyStrokeAwareness