[C]artmel Rocks, now in its fourth year, is enjoying record support from over 20 bands – some traveling as far as from London to take part – as well as every one of Cartmel’s pubs, Cartmel Racecourse and Cartmel Priory.
Cartmel Rocks, also known as Joe and Connie Calling, is an astonishing culmination of a community coming together to offer support to the family of Joe and Connie Elson. Joe (7) and Connie (9) both suffer from MLD, a rare degenerative neurometabolic condition. Few children with this devastating condition survive to adolescence. The event raises money for families who have children with life-limiting or terminal illnesses at the same time as providing a lasting legacy for Joe and Connie.
The charity behind the event, Butterfly Hugs, are also excited to announce that renowned string group Blue Topaz will be performing at Cartmel Priory. Having performed at Wembley Stadium, Ronnie Scott’s and for Her Majesty the Queen, the group – who perform everything from Bach to the Black Eyed Peas – wanted to support the charity after being moved by Joe and Connie’s story. “Being a mother myself, it was impossible not to be deeply affected by Joe and Connie’s story” explained Anna Croad of Blue Topaz “there was no question that this was a charity we wanted to support.”
David Hamer, who is part of the organising committee, continued: “The support of the whole of Cartmel has been fantastic – there’s already a real buzz around this year’s event. We’re so appreciative to have Cartmel Racecourse involved, excited to see Cartmel Priory taking part, and with every pub in Cartmel acting as a venue for the bands, we’re surely now Cumbria’s No.1 rain proof event!”
Joe and Connie Calling: Cartmel Rocks takes place on Saturday, June 9th from 1pm – 11pm. Blue Topaz will be performing in Cartmel Priory from 7pm – 8.15pm. For more information, please google ‘Cartmel Rocks’.
