MEARFEST
Brian Mear has been a paramedic within the Berkshire area for 30 years. Sadly, he lost his mother Sally Mear to cancer in 2010 and as a way to channel this grief, he set up Mearfest within weeks of her death. Named in honour of his mother, Brian wanted to celebrate her indomitable spirit by organising a music festival that would raise money for various cancer charities.
With no previous experience, Brian made the first wooden stage by hand and organised the whole event from his 2G Nokia 3310 to the cost of £34.20! The event sold out. Luckily, soon after losing his mother, Brian met the love of his life Claire. Claire had previous experience working in the music industry so was able to work alongside Brian on three annual events. Since then they have hosted Mearfest raising funds for various hospice and cancer charities.
In their mid-forties they were surprised and delighted to be expecting their first child together. Unfortunately, in the thirty-ninth week of the pregnancy, tragedy struck. Molly Mear was born at 40 weeks sleeping on the 12th August 2013. She died two days before her due date. This left the couple shattered by their grief and they drew even closer in their love and strength together. Six months after losing Molly they got married in April 2014. Two years later and stronger than ever, they decided to brave it by telling their heart-breaking story to the world in order to bring awareness to the possible causes of stillbirth and the emotional devastation this leaves behind.
The anguish never abates and so they poured their energy and grief into doing what they do best; they put on another great show. So far they have raised £5975.00 including gift aid for The Willows Support group stillbirth charity. They have also raised £2194.00 for Royal Berkshire hospital stillbirth unit. For Down Syndrome North East £5634.75 including gift aid as Molly was a Down’s baby.
Mearfest was rebranded with a new focus and Molly’s handprint has become the logo, it is all Brian and Claire have left of her, keeping her spirit well and truly alive. It symbolically kept everyone's hearts beating to the rhythm of rock, neatly contained beneath Mearfest’s strong fabric and colourful hues, her small hand has been held close across the world. Mearfest specialises in new wave of British heavy metal music, which has brought many people near and far together. The rest they say is history. Molly’s memory along with the genre of NWOBHM has created something unexpected, yet remarkable, her memory has forged new friendships across the globe. This has also resulted in a surprising development as others, involved in the event, came forward and shared their own experiences, some never having a chance before to express this kind of grief. It provides a positive platform where others can seek understanding and loving support, giving so much goodness, insight and awareness back into this crazy planet.
The future is looking bright with Mearfest growing year on year. They are being approached by amazing bands who have heard of this event and want to get involved. Attendance is growing, with much needed funds for these charities increasing and Molly’s spirit continues to shine brightly.
With no previous experience, Brian made the first wooden stage by hand and organised the whole event from his 2G Nokia 3310 to the cost of £34.20! The event sold out. Luckily, soon after losing his mother, Brian met the love of his life Claire. Claire had previous experience working in the music industry so was able to work alongside Brian on three annual events. Since then they have hosted Mearfest raising funds for various hospice and cancer charities.
In their mid-forties they were surprised and delighted to be expecting their first child together. Unfortunately, in the thirty-ninth week of the pregnancy, tragedy struck. Molly Mear was born at 40 weeks sleeping on the 12th August 2013. She died two days before her due date. This left the couple shattered by their grief and they drew even closer in their love and strength together. Six months after losing Molly they got married in April 2014. Two years later and stronger than ever, they decided to brave it by telling their heart-breaking story to the world in order to bring awareness to the possible causes of stillbirth and the emotional devastation this leaves behind.
The anguish never abates and so they poured their energy and grief into doing what they do best; they put on another great show. So far they have raised £5975.00 including gift aid for The Willows Support group stillbirth charity. They have also raised £2194.00 for Royal Berkshire hospital stillbirth unit. For Down Syndrome North East £5634.75 including gift aid as Molly was a Down’s baby.
Mearfest was rebranded with a new focus and Molly’s handprint has become the logo, it is all Brian and Claire have left of her, keeping her spirit well and truly alive. It symbolically kept everyone's hearts beating to the rhythm of rock, neatly contained beneath Mearfest’s strong fabric and colourful hues, her small hand has been held close across the world. Mearfest specialises in new wave of British heavy metal music, which has brought many people near and far together. The rest they say is history. Molly’s memory along with the genre of NWOBHM has created something unexpected, yet remarkable, her memory has forged new friendships across the globe. This has also resulted in a surprising development as others, involved in the event, came forward and shared their own experiences, some never having a chance before to express this kind of grief. It provides a positive platform where others can seek understanding and loving support, giving so much goodness, insight and awareness back into this crazy planet.
The future is looking bright with Mearfest growing year on year. They are being approached by amazing bands who have heard of this event and want to get involved. Attendance is growing, with much needed funds for these charities increasing and Molly’s spirit continues to shine brightly.
MEARFEST FUND RAISING FROM 2000-2018
MEARFEST FAMILYWe wish to thank the following who have been vital in our quest to make our events exciting and professional.
OUR PATRONS Dibs Hawkwinder & Sam Kirwan for your love and support. BANDS Abaddon, Jack Mylchreest, Snatchback, Stuckfish, Ray Phillips band, Culloden, Quartz, Bawls Out, The Bandoliers, Trespass, Kaine, The Deep, Desolation Angels, Troyen, Sacrilege, Not fit for humans, Avenger, Tysondog, Spartan Warrior, Mandora, Millennium, The Clan, Damaj, Wounded Cross, State of Anxiety, The PFJ, Satan's Empire,Dealer,Malleus, Neverworld,Toledo Steel, GANG, Osmium Guillotine, The Darker my Horizon, Desolate Pathway, Nitroville, Hammerex, Dai herbert, Chris Tinkham & DJ Dawn King. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT Ray Phillips, Tracey Lamb, Antony Bray, Bill Gang, Tim Perry PHOTOGRAPHERS Claire Mear, Jim Donnelly, Martyn Turner, Steve Ritchie, Jon Wilmer, Gosha, Ian Coult, John Lambton, David Wilson, Ruth Hindson, Christophe Vernimmen STAGE MANAGERS Alison Metcalfe, John Bell for his brilliant sound machine Alex Perry, Jon WIlmer Dave Hills, Shaun Young, Gary Young ARTWORK Graham Orion Pax Robin Brancher for the posters Andy Wallis for the backstage passes Martin Walkyier for printing our Molly shirts Angela Holland-Yousaf stunning MEARFEST poster Steve Ellis for your poetry HELPERS Glennis Irish, Paul Cooper, Verina Charlesworth, Paula Evans, Vikki Rutherford, Andrew Ormston, Ian Coult, Linda Campbell, John Dunn, Nick and Nikki Patterson, Gosha, Sarah-J Gentil, Chris Gentil, Keith and Gemma Sallis, Uncle John, Gosha & Tom, Revd Carl Flynn for your prayers, Angela Holland for babysitting Amélie. SUPPORTERS & DONATIONS This list is endless, we thank you all on behalf of all our charities The Willow support group Down Syndrome North East Thames Valley Hospice Trinity Hospice Charity for Kids |
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