Paul Jones and His Superstar Friends Shine at G Live

Published on: 7 Feb, 2023
Updated on: 8 Feb, 2023

By Ian Blyth

Those lucky enough to snap up tickets were treated to two nights of spectacular music as Paul Jones and his Friends returned to G Live for their annual fundraiser in support of the Prostate Project.

‘National Treasure’ Jools Holland, the wonderful Maddie Bell and multi-million selling songwriter and ‘chief Womble’ Mike Batt were among the line-up for this year’s events, raising almost £70,000 for the Guildford-based charity.

Alf Turner, who chairs the Prostate Project, is understandably thrilled at the amount raised, and also the fact that so many people were able to enjoy two nights of amazing entertainment.

He said: “Like every other year, Paul and his Friends have put on great shows, and we have been rewarded with a remarkable contribution that will help us in our work researching, diagnosing and treating prostate cancer.

Jools Holland and his band onstage.

“For Paul to bring such a fabulous line-up for both nights is tribute to his immense popularity among his fellow musicians, and it shows what a generous and talented group his Friends are. The performers change every year but the standard never slips, whether it’s Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Jawbone or Paul Carrack onstage, the quality is always amazing.”

As ever, the events were organised by Tony Smith of Eclectic Live Music, a stalwart supporter of the Prostate Project, and somebody that Alf was quick to praise.

Alf added: “Tony works tirelessly on our behalf, bringing everything together superbly and allowing us the opportunity not just to raise funds but also raise awareness of our work.”

Prostate Project gazebo at G Live.

Every man over the age of 50 has the right to get a PSA blood test, it’s a simple test that helps detect prostate cancer.

Later this year the Prostate Project’s mobile PSA blood testing clinic, operated by the NHS, will be visiting events, sports grounds, shopping centres and workplaces, taking testing into the heart of every community.

It is so important to remember that with early diagnosis, prostate cancer is curable but that in the early stages there are often no symptoms, hence the absolute need for the PSA blood test.

Alf said: “That we have been able to purchase the mobile clinic, a ‘Man Van’ that will save and prolong so many lives, is due in no small part to Tony, Paul and of course their remarkable Friends.’

Paul Jones and Friends will be coming back to Guildford in January 2024, for more information about the Prostate Project please visit www.prostate-project.org.uk.