A long serving Royal Mail worker who dedicated his spare time to helping local charities has passed away leaving a lasting legacy in the form of an annual charity variety show.
Michael Parker, well known to all those who visited the Heaton Road Post Office in Newcastle, dedicated much of his life to his local community. He was a constant fundraiser for so many local charities and a founder member of the 2CC Initiative, based at Byker Masonic Hall whose aim is to support two charities each year, the highlight of which is an annual fundraising variety show at the iconic Tyne Theatre and Opera House.
Michael took early retirement last year but within months of leaving was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Despite tough Chemo sessions, he maintained a positive outlook and always thought of others rather than himself. To that end Michael continued to assist in the planning of the annual 2CC Tyne Theatre Charity Show.
The show has helped charities including Help for Heroes, DEBRA, Teenage Cancer Trust the Bubble Foundation (RVI), TyneSight (RVI), Bright Red (Freeman), SSAFA (Tyne & Wear), Metro Radio’s Cash for Kids, Evening Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund, The Northumberland Masonic Charities Association. This year’s beneficiaries will be The Percy Hedley Foundation and the Tyne Theatre Preservation Trust. To date the 2CC Initiative has raised well over £30K giving much needed funds to dedicated and hardworking local organisations.
Once again demonstrating his care and appreciation for others and knowing time was against him, Michael wanted to make a final “Last Post” gesture to the fantastic staff at the Freeman Hospital who had cared for him on both Wards 35 and Ward 36 and set about organising a “Shave-a-thon” with the money raised from his sponsored beard shave going to pay for tickets for the 2CC Charity show for Nurses at both wards as a small gesture of his appreciation and acknowledgement of all they do. The Percy Hedley Foundation also received tickets for the show too.
Michael passed away several days later aged only 62 years old and as long-time friend and fellow show organiser James Horner says, this year’s show will be bigger and better than ever in honour of Michael.
“We’re all proud to have known Michael and this year’s show is being dedicated to this very humble, caring, thoughtful man whose aim was always to give to others and support his local community. He truly was a “local hero.” We’ve a host of acts that will appeal to the whole family from comedians to vocalists and full bands too.“
The show will take place at The Tyne Theatre and Opera House on Sunday 29thSeptember at 1pm
Tickets at only £12.50 each £10 (Concessions), are available at the box office or on line at www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
Artists appearing include Steffen Peddie, Charlie Richmond, The Moonbeats, Beth Macari, Lewis Denny, Nikki Simm, Graham, Amy Robson, Junior Turner, Tim Bloomer, Rebecca Graham and Special Brew.