A Cleator Moor man rediscovered music and is using it to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Ged Hagan, 65, retired head of training at Sellafield, gave up music years ago when arthritis meant he could no longer play the guitar.

Then he found a tenor guitar, which has four strings instead of two, and discovered that he could use that where he could not the normal six-string instrument.

During lockdown he started posting mainly Irish music on local websites and had no idea of what would happen next.

Suddenly he has found a whole new career and it is charity that is benefitting.

He plays gigs throughout Cumbria, from Windermere to Carlisle and throughout West Cumbria.

“I am usually out about four times a week and sometimes more.”

He plays in pubs, weddings, parties - anywhere live music is needed.

But what makes him different is that all Ged’s fees go to charity.

He will play for charity gigs to help raise money but his earnings go to Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

He has raised £17,000 for the charity since August 2021.

When asked why he donated his fees to charity, Ged said: “I’ve been amazed at the efforts of so many Cumbrians raising money for local charities.

“I would have loved to have joined Gary McKee on his daily marathons, but my running days are far behind me now and I don’t think my 25m swimming certificate would get me across any Lakes or Channels!”

He thought about how much he enjoyed playing the guitar and singing and decided that this was the talent he could use to help others.

“I only intended to play at local charity fundraising events but soon I was being asked to play paid gigs in pubs, clubs and bars.

"I decided that it would be a good way of fundraising - I get to do what I love, the venues (hopefully) get what they need, and the charity get a few bob too - everyone’s a winner!”

Ged has travelled over 3,000 miles in the past two years singing all over the county and raising funds for the vital services Hospice at Home West Cumbria provide.

Holly Harkness, Community Fundraising Co-ordinator said: “It is incredible the amount of time and effort he gives so generously to raise funds to support our charity."

Ged’s wife, Patricia, plays the cornet with the Workington brass band. The couple have two grown children, Bobby and Louise, and have two border terriers to care for.