A MUSICIAN from Neston has picked up his guitar and played for 24-hours in a challenge that raised more than £1,400 for a charity supporting teenagers living with cancer.

Jon Pickthall, section leader at Aldi in Neston, took on the challenge to raise vital funds for the supermarket’s dedicated charity, Teenage Cancer Trust.

He said: "Family being diagnosed with cancer is very close to my heart. I can’t imagine how parents must feel, let alone a child who’s experiencing this awful disease.

"I felt that using my guitar I could put myself through a little discomfort for a day in aid of helping others going through such difficulties."

His set list, which included songs from bands such as Bon Jovi, The Beatles, Oasis and Queen, drew support from colleagues across the Neston region, with many coming to watch the Section Leader’s performance at the Regional Distribution Centre.

Colleagues were also encouraged to take part by sharing their song requests and joining Jon for short periods to showcase their own musical talents.

Liz Fox, national sustainability director at Aldi UK, said: "We’d like to congratulate Jon on his efforts and have no doubt he will have inspired other colleagues to get involved with fundraising.

"As the only UK charity dedicated to providing specialist care and support for those aged 13-24 with cancer, Teenage Cancer Trust carries out vital work across the UK, and it is brilliant to see colleagues like Jon supporting our continued partnership with the charity.”

Jon added: “It was so rewarding to do what I love to support such an incredible charity. I hope the challenge brought a little bit of joy to my fellow colleagues who were also a great support and I’d like to thank everyone that has donated so far.”

To donate to Jon’s fundraising page, visit www.justgiving.com/page/jon-pickthall