16-year-old students support the Fund with 12 hour guitar jam

Three year 11 students took part in a 12-hour, overnight guitar jam to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

From Thursday 6 July – Friday 7 July, students Joe Fleming, Sam Byrne, and Zac Meadows, aged 16, collectively played their guitars for 12 hours straight, lasting from 8pm to 8am. 

The jam session, which took place in their high school in Somerset, was an idea supported by their music teacher, Michael Castle, due to their passion and dedication to learning and playing guitar.

Michael said: "The three lads spend every break time and lunchtime practising together - sometimes after school too. Their love of rock guitar playing was so evident and strong that I needed to create a shop window for people to see them in action!”"

He added: "It is a real joy to witness students keen to play their guitars just because they have a pure love of playing. They are super role models for the younger ones in the school."

The boys selected their chosen charities for the fundraiser including the RAF Benevolent Fund because of the support given to veterans, serving personnel, and their families, as well as The Dorothy House Hospice, a local charity which provides personalised, end-of-life care.

Sam Byrne chose to support the Fund because his great grandfather was in the RAF and flew Halifax bombers in the Second World War. 

Zac said: "We decided to take part because we thought it would be a great opportunity to use our love of music to help raise awareness and donations to support our chosen charities. 

"I love playing guitar because it’s challenging and when you get a good sound out of it, you appreciate the effort you’ve put in. It’s satisfying when it all comes together. This is a personal best for me playing 12 hours straight!"

The music played on the night was mostly improvised, but a general list of tracks was prepared, as playing a duet for example, allowed the third player to have a brief rest. 

The students were fuelled with hot chocolate and doughnuts every hour to get them through the overnight session. There were hourly visits from supporters who cheered the boys on throughout the challenge.

Their fantastic efforts amounted in a total of £302 for the Fund.