Leamington bop in aid of children in need

Alex Webster, lead animator at Blitz Games Studios, has raised more than £2,000 for good causes since he set up the Blitzkreig Bop five years ago - and is hoping for a large crowd to support this year’s event, which takes place next Friday and is supporting Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital, where his own little boy was recently cared for.

He said: “It all started after visiting a small children’s theme park down in Cornwall back in 2006.

“I saw this ace playpump system that was essentially a children’s roundabout that actually pumped fresh water as the children played on it.

“The charity was Playpumps, which was set up to install these systems in water deprived areas. I decided after seeing this that I would like to do something to raise money for the cause.”

Alex, who says there is a lot of musical talent among the Blitz team members and has himself been in bands for more than ten years, put together a gig to raise funds for the charity. It was such a success that he wanted to do it again.

Five years on and the causes to have benefited from what has become an annual event include the Love Hope Strength Foundation, the Norman Laud Association, NewLife and Mesothelioma UK.

Alex said: “After my son become very unwell this year he spent a week at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where the staff and support was fantastic.

“So, as always, the gig will be for a very worthy cause.”

Performing at the gig, which takes place at the Prince of Wales pub in Warwick Street, Leamington, are This Happy Breed, Kill Trons, Motorcade and DJ Matt Chinn.

Tickets, which can be bought on the night or by calling 425727, cost £4 and doors will open at 7.45pm.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital, which treats more than 225,000 sick children every year, is currently running an appeal to raise funds for a cardiac theatre, which will be the first of its kind at a UK children’s hospital.