'It's mind-blowing' - Party on the Pier sees crowds turn out to raise money for The Rowan's Hospice at event inspired by Alan Knight
‘The amount of people that have come together is a real testament to how amazing Alan Knight was’
A charity event inspired by Pompey Legend Alan Knight saw crowds head to Southsea to raise money for the Rowans Hospice.
Malcolm Drew hosted the Party on the Pier on Sunday, September 27 the likes of Amba Tremain, Marley Blandford, The Kojaks and Steve Kinglsey giving up their time to raise money for the charity.
Around 20 acts took part in the charity day with much more to do besides music, as youngsters were entertained by face painters, magicians and balloon modelers.
Malcolm was delighted by how the event was supported.
He said: “We had over 20 acts all agree to come along and work for nothing. It is overwhelming the amount of people that have offered to support us.
“A couple of people I know have been in the Rowans with cancer, the work that they do is fantastic. It’s mind-blowing the people that have offered to help for nothing. It gives you faith in humanity.”
While Malcolm organised the event, it all started with a conversation with Pompey legend Alan Knight. Malcolm, who is well-known in the city for his charity work, had just arranged a charity match at Fratton Park raising money for multiple prostate cancer causes.
Alan said an event in honour of Rowans Hospice would be a good idea. The Pompey hero passing away earlier this month with Malcolm paying tribute to him at the event.
He said: “Alan was a legend in Portsmouth. I actually got him the freedom of the city and we did a big presentation at a football match at Fratton Park last year. He was different class to anyone else I know in that he attended more functions, supported more charities, and he did it just because it was the right thing to do.
“I visited him in hospital and he wasn't doing very well and he said to me he would be at the event even if he had to be in a wheelchair, he said ‘I will be there’. I believe he is here in spirit supporting us. Alan of all people would love this event and support it and I think he would be honoured for it to be done in his name.”
Amba Tremain was one of the acts that performed at the event. Despite already being booked for a gig in the evening she wanted to support Malcolm and the day and so she was the first act to perform.
She said: “I’m repaying the support and love that Malcolm has shown me over the years and being part of one of his big charity events. It was lovely to open it up and there was so many people there at the start which I was quite surprised about.
“The amount of people that have come together is a real testament to how amazing Alan Knight was and his influence on everything in Portsmouth.”