Friday, March 29, 2024
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John’s an inspiration

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John

Alvechurch resident John Davies has been shortlisted in a nationwide competition to find inspirational people aged over 60.

Seventy-year-old John, well-known in the village as a member of fundraising skiffle band The 6-5 Specials, was selected as a regional finalist in the “Inspirational Generation” contest held by retirement housebuilder McCarthy and Stone.

The competition aims to find and reward those aged over 60 with an inspiring story to tell, and to celebrate the ways that older people inspire the younger generation.

Having taken up the ukulele when he retired, John formed The 6-5 Specials with four other retirees. They perform across the Birmingham area and have raised more than £5,000 in the past three years for charities including British Lung Foundation, Children in Need and Alzheimer’s Research.

John says: “I decided to enter the search for the Inspirational Generation because The 6-5 Specials have raised thousands of pounds for various charities.

“I think it’s important to recognise the achievements of older people because even when you’re at my age you can still make an impact and help make a difference to other lives.”

Later this month, one national winner will be selected by a panel of judges and awarded a cash prize of £2,000. Nine regional winners will also each receive £200 to be donated to their charity of choice and a £50 hamper.