Singathons for Charity
1624. Wayne Devlin
Wayne Devlin, from Manchester, is a singer who has raised over £500,000 for Manchester-based charities and community groups over the past decade through his Rat Pack singing performances.
Most recently among Wayne’s challenges was a 24-hour singathon he completed at the start of March 2021 to fundraise for Alzheimer’s Society, inspired by his hero, the singer Tony Bennett. Throughout the pandemic, Wayne has also been providing free song requests online to bring some cheer to people who are isolating. He also runs a community page ‘All About Trafford’, championing local causes and helping to keep people connected.
In a personal letter to Wayne, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Thank you for your recent 24 hour ‘Swing-a-thon’ in honour of the great Tony Bennett. Music is incredibly therapeutic for dementia sufferers and your soothing crooning will have brought joy and calm to many living with the disease.
“The funds you have raised will also help to further pioneering research into the disease. This, in addition to the £500,000 you have raised over the last decade, will have a huge impact on people’s lives.”
Kate Green, Wayne’s local MP for Stretford and Urmston, said:
“Wayne is well known across Stretford and Urmston, for his regular column in the local newspaper, his work for charities and for his performances! Recently he has been raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, and I congratulate him on all he has achieved.”
Wayne said:
“Thank you so much for this lovely award. I am very proud to serve the community. Thank you for including me amongst all the wonderful people who do great things in our respective communities. Thank you.”