Portsmouth pals pitch in and take part in a music marathon for cause

A Jamathon for 12 hours non-stop to raise funds for Stella's Voice (left) Tim Button on the drums with (right) guitarist Shaun Hall at The Portsmouth Music Academy in Cosham Picture by: Malcolm Wells (160701-4228)

Shaun Hall and Tim Button held a 12-hour jamathon – playing musical instruments non-stop – at Portsmouth Music Academy, in Northern Road, Cosham, earlier today.

They were raising money for charity Stella’s Voice, which works to prevent human trafficking.

Shaun, who works at the academy, first met Tim, who volunteers at Stella’s Voice, when the academy helped to host a charity fundraiser.

Tim, who is in the Royal Marines Band, said: ‘Human trafficking is a worldwide phenomenon. There are 45 million slaves in the world and one of the main focuses of Stella’s Voice is to help in Moldova.

‘There are an exceptional amount of orphans in Moldova and they are kicked out on to the streets as teenagers and the human traffickers come along.

‘It is really vital that we do something about it, otherwise these kids can just disappear.’

He added: ‘When I heard the stories of some of the girls and the ordeals they have been through, it really hit me. I couldn’t just walk away. I knew I had to do something about it. Since then I have been helping to raise funds. There’s never enough that you can do.’

Shaun, 26, from Stamshaw, said: ‘Our mission is to raise funds to help the charity protect young people in Moldova and other areas from human trafficking. We hope to raise awareness of the issue.’

Tim added: ‘Human trafficking is worldwide. Unless we all stand up and make a difference it will keep growing. My plea is for everybody to do their bit and get involved with Stella’s Voice.’

Tim was playing the drums for the session, which started at 9am, and Shaun played the guitar.

The duo were joined by singer-songwriter Richard Morris, from Emsworth, who stopped by to join in with a few songs for encouragement.

Richard, 24, said: ‘I don’t know two other people who could sit for 12 hours and do this and put so much enthusiasm into it. I hope everyone gets behind it, it’s a good effort.’

The pals streamed their efforts on the Stella’s Voice Facebook page and people donated cash in exchange for requests and for them wearing items of fancy dress. To make a donation go to justgiving.com/fundraising/tim-button4