The original drummer of the rock band Status Quo has performed at an event in Witney to raise money for the military charity 'Help for Heroes'.
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John Coghlan, who joined Status Quo in 1962, performed with his band ‘John Coghlan’s Quo Reimagined’ at the event which raised over £4400 on the night.
The evening was attended by 148 guests and several guest speakers, including National 'Help for Heroes' Ambassador Retired Lieutenant Colonel Spencer Bull and Retired Physio Major Sally Orange, a Mental Health Campaigner, multiple world record holder and endurance athlete.
Squadron Leader Jackie Millard-Smith, RAF Brize Norton’s Community Careers Recruitment Officer, organised the event as part of a wider project she has ongoing to support the charity. She said:
“Sadly I have lost 2 close veteran friends due to poor mental health and continue to see so many others suffer, so when I saw the opportunity to raise money for 'Help for Heroes' I leapt at the chance. On 30 September I will hike up Machu Pichu at altitude camping in 2 berth tents in arduous conditions to help raise much needed funds for the charity, which is struggling like so many others. I know John as a personal friend and he kindly offered to perform at my Charity Fundraiser Event to help attract people to attend.
"The event made in excess of £4400 on the night, which absolutely smashes my initial target of £2500; all thanks to the support of all the aforementioned as well as friends, family, the RAF Hosts on the night Flight Lieutenant Lewis Hill, Air Specialists (Class 1) Katie Stubley and Charlotte Haynes, Corporal’s Jacqui Wellington and Alfie McGrath, and so many local businesses who donated prizes for the auction/raffle. Mr Nick Clark – a Chelsea Pensioner and good friend, attended and also kindly donated 2 visits to the Royal Hospital for the auction on the night which was marvelous”
Squadron Leader Jackie Millard-Smith
Community Careers Recruitment Officer
RAF Brize Norton
John Coghlan played on the first fourteen Status Quo albums and departed the band in 1982. He said of the evening:
“We were so glad to be a part of the wonderful fundraising event. Well done to everyone involved who helped put it together, myself and my band had a ball”
John Coghlan
‘John Coghlan’s Quo Reimagined’
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