DESSIE Kelly’s Johnny Cash Story is heading to Port St Mary’s town hall tomorrow (Saturday) thanks to two fundraising stalwarts.
Friends Margaret Boyle, of Port St Mary, and Helen Masson, of Ronague, are renowned for their charity events - especially their homemade hot pot suppers.
Now they are reuniting to raise cash for the island’s hyperbaric chamber in Douglas.
The pair came up with the idea of bringing Dessie’s much-loved Johnny Cash tribute show to Port St Mary after realising the benefits the hyperbaric chamber has had on their loved ones.
Margaret mentioned how her daughter’s partner Pete Alton, a TT sidecar racer, had used the chamber following a racing crash on the Mountain Road two years ago which left his leg badly injured. And Helen, who is Dessie’s sister, told how her son Neil greatly benefited from the facility after an accident badly damaged his knee 18 months ago.
‘Both of them really benefitted from the hyperbaric chamber. They said it gave them a real lift,’ said Margaret.
And Helen added: ‘They treat about 60 people everyday. I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was something that just a few people went to but they have everything from leg ulcers to mulitple sclerosis. It’s just diabolical that the government don’t support it anymore.’
Dessie, 61, lost his sight in his 20s due to an eye disease.
‘He was singing before he lost his sight,’ said his sister, ‘but he learnt to play the guitar afterwards. He likes sitting in listening to songs and learning how to play them.
‘It’s incredible how much he sounds like Johnny Cash. It’s an amazing show but I’m biased because I love him to bits. I’m very proud of him.’
As well as great music from the Man in Black, there will also be a cold meat and salad buffet. The premises are unlicensed so people need to bring their own drinks.
‘It’ll be an electric atmosphere. They have audience participation with all the jail songs,’ said Margaret. ‘It’s a good night out and for an extremely good cause.’
‘And the buffet will be excellent because we are doing it,’ joked Margaret.
‘I’ve even got people coming down all the way from Bride for the night,’ added Helen, ‘We’re hoping there will be a lot of people there.’
The evening, held from 7.30pm to midnight, will also feature a raffle with prizes ranging from Steam Packet vouchers to an OTC Racing jacket donated by Pete.
They thanked Dessie and the band who are playing for free and the many island businesses which have supported the event. Isle of Man Meats donated food for the evening and Robinsons has given fruit and vegetables at a discounted price for the salad.
Tickets cost £15 and are available from Tamara at TCs Hair Studio, Port St Mary, and Sharon at Total Beauty in Classique Hair, Port Erin, or on 471690/454925.