A remarkable £2,389.65 was raised when Portrush band The Fix reformed after 25 years to play a special Christmas comeback show in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
Rolling back time: From right to left – Jonny Lennox, Peter Jameson, and Paul Beattie performing as The Fix after 25 years away
The three-piece rock outfit performed to a full house at Kiwi’s Brew Bar in the town where a combination of raffle proceeds, online donations and contributions from music fans keen for their Fix of nostalgia resulted in a huge final total.
It was a quarter of a century since singer and guitarist Jonny Lennox and bassist Paul Beattie last played a full set together after a run of memorable performances in the late 1980s and early 1990s at Kelly’s Portrush.
They were joined for their return gig by new member Peter Jameson on drums and percussion.
Yesterday Jonny returned to Kiwi’s Brew Bar to display a cheque for the final total, assisted by the bar’s owner Kris Charteris.
Job done: Jonny Lennox (left), frontman of The Fix, and Kris Charteris, owner of Kiwi’s Brew Bar, display a cheque for Alzheimer’s Research UK following the band’s 25-year charity reunion night
Hannah Reynolds, Community and Sporting Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are delighted that The Fix reunited after 25 years especially for a Christmas gig in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
“They raised nearly £2,400 which is incredible and we are so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen and those who generously donated.
“Supporters like The Fix help us in our quest to find effective treatments and preventions for dementia, a condition which more than 20,000 people are living with in Northern Ireland.”
Jonny Lennox, frontman of The Fix, said: “It was a wonderful night and we are indebted to everyone who helped to make it happen.
“In particular, I want to thank the many businesses that provided raffle prizes, Kris for providing the venue and, of course, everyone who turned up on the night or who made donations to our JustGiving page.
“We have kept this open at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Alzheimer-raffle-Portrush for anyone who wants to make a late contribution.
“There were a lot of familiar faces in the crowd, including many people who had travelled from various parts of the world to be home for Christmas. I hope they enjoyed the night as much as we did.
“Most importantly, it was fantastic to raise so much money to assist in the battle against dementia. Alzheimer’s Research UK do great work and we are proud to have done our little bit to help them.”
Kris Charteris, owner of Kiwi’s Brew Bar, said: “It was a fabulous occasion and a privilege to host it.
“I know the boys put in countless hours of rehearsals to ensure they were able to rekindle the old magic. The audience’s reaction demonstrated that all the effort was worth it together, of course, with the incredible amount of money the gig raised.
“Having relocated their guitars after 25 years, I hope they now keep them out for a while longer and we get to see them again. They have an open invitation to perform at Kiwi’s Brew Bar anytime they want.”