2023 Winner

John Jones MBE

Accordion-playing pensioner has raised more than £340,000 for charity, including the hospital that cared for his wife.

HE’S been keeping patients and hospital staff entertained for more than three decades, raising more than a phenomenal £340,000 for charity in the process. And at 80 years old, accordion player John Jones, whose busking for fundraising began in 1991, is still giving up his time for others.

The retired engineer has generated thousands in donations for the East Cheshire Hospice as well as Macclesfield Hospital, where he was touched by the care his wife June received before she died in 2020.

“Macclesfield Hospital is very close to my heart because I lost my wife there three years ago,” said John, from Macclesfield. “One week before lockdown, my wife died in intensive care. She’d been in intensive care four years prior to that so I know all the nurses personally. “I asked them if I could specifically collect for the intensive care unit in memory of my wife, which they allowed me to do. When I go into hospital these days, I normally go in the morning, I go round the waiting rooms, cheering people up and I’ve been collecting money for the intensive care unit.”

Karyn Johnston from East Cheshire Hospice explains the incredible difference John’s contribution makes. She said: “We’ve only got 12% funding from the NHS, so it’s really vital, the money he raises for us. I’d estimate one in 10 patients is supported by the work that John does. It’s absolutely fantastic.”

The musician’s efforts make a big difference to patient morale, too. “When John starts to play, these people literally come alive,” said Karyn. “It triggers all sorts of memories and positive feelings, so in terms of impact on wellbeing, it’s immeasurable. The power of music to take those people out of the world that they’re in, and literally reconnect them to the world that we’re all living in is powerful to watch.”

John added: “I’ve made so many friends, and I’ve had lots of poignant moments. It’s just great to be able to cheer people up and do what I do.”