A PIANIST who has been tinkling the ivories online in memory of a dear friend who suffered from multiple sclerosis was delighted when he beat his fundraising target before the first note was even aired. 

John Davies, from Royal Wootton Bassett, has been hosting an annual coffee morning with his wife Jan, 80, for the last five years in aid of Swindon MS, as a tribute to their friend Muriel Dixon. 

This year due to Covid restrictions, accomplished pianist John decided to dig out some of his music to play for family and live stream it on social media to make some money for the charity.

He said: “At least we can get to the family piano. I have a stack of music I’ve accumulated that’s just sitting there- what better than to have a sponsored piano play. 

“The piano is at my daughter’s house Serena but we couldn’t have anyone watching, so my grandson Connor recorded it and he will edit it and cut out the thumbly bits. They will share it and make a fuss of me. 

“My wife raided all the popular stuff so some of what I played was festival music, early 50’s and musicals. We actually hit the fundraising target before I had even hit a note.”

John and Jan first met Muriel in 1970 when they fostered her two children, Pauline and Steven, for a few weeks while she recovered from a short illness. 

Muriel later developed symptoms of MS and was cared for by Swindon MS for over 30 years until her death six years ago. 

“When we fostered her children she was very grateful and we kept in touch from there. She wasn’t showing signs of MS back then. We went out with Muriel and her husband Brian many times, in fact,” the 81-year-old added.  

“It’s a tribute to her as the charity looked after her when she first showed signs of the illness. She fought it really hard, she didn’t give up and made lots of friends along the way.”

John has sung three seasons with the Swindon Male Voice Choir, is in the Guys and Dolls mixed voice choir and has been an accompanist for the SALOS musical society. 

This is his first performance since the first lockdown, which he completed in two, two-hour slots. 

“I have a vague memory of starting lessons when I was eight back in 1947,” he said. “I’ve played for a long time but work got in the way for a number of years. Now I’m retired, it gave me more spare time. “Once we downsized, I got involved in lots of groups in Royal Wootton Bassett like the Choral Society and Cantanti. It’s handy to do because I don’t drive due to an eye problem. 

“On the day I didn’t say very much to camera because I knew when we were editing we could add in the titles of the pieces. Being an accompanist, I’m supposed to be unobtrusive and out of sight, as they’re in the engine room so to speak. I was very pleased at reaching the target.”

To donate go to: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/john-davies-for-ms