Jonathan Brough, paralysed from the neck down since contracting meningitis nearly 20 years ago, is performing at a special fundraiser on Thursday, April 23.
He’ll be singing alongside members of his band, The BROO CREW, at Stroud Brewery, raising funds for research- and support-charity Meningitis Now.
“I’ll be singing songs I’ve written based around my spinal injury,” says Jonathan, who has lived most of his life in Minchinhampton. “I like to document experiences not only of what life is like with my disability, but also to show what is possible when you set your mind to it.”
Indeed: what he has achieved since his illness is simply extraordinary.
Despite needing 24-hour care, and being permanently attached to life-support, Jonathan has gained a degree in media arts from Plymouth University, raised thousands of pounds for charity, and even descended a mountain in Chamonix on an adapted ski.
Although much of his fundraising to date has been for spinal injury charities, he’s a great supporter of Meningitis Now.
He is also keen to show that disability needn’t stop people from achieving. “Life for me today is good: I enjoy creating music, playing boccia — a game similar to bowls — and studying Spanish. I am also doing a virtual challenge, going from Venice to Catania, and covering the equivalent distance locally.” Jonathan can often be seen out and about in his all-terrain chair, which he controls by his mouth.
As for the gig: singing on a ventilator is quite a challenge, but one he really enjoys. “I have been performing for a while. I started beatboxing when I was at university and performed with a band at open mic nights. During lockdown, I had a new ventilator that enabled my voice to be strong enough to try singing. It was still very weak but I could sing again — it felt incredible!”
Tickets for the 7-11pm gig — also featuring Chaka and the Zu, Sometimes Eleanor, Dr Grrr’s Surgery, Paul. J, Matthew Sweeting and Libbyrollings — cost £5. Stroud Brewery is in London Rd, Stroud: stroudbrewery.com
For more on Meningitis Now, visit meningitisnow.org
