RENOWNED percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie has helped give The Hunts Post New Life Appeal a £100 boost. The musician gave a speech at the launch of the Cambridge Culture programme on June 17, but instead of accepting flowers asked the organisers to make a

RENOWNED percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie has helped give The Hunts Post New Life Appeal a £100 boost.

The musician gave a speech at the launch of the Cambridge Culture programme on June 17, but instead of accepting flowers asked the organisers to make a donation to the appeal.

She told The Hunts Post: "As you can imagine, when you're doing so many concerts it's an awful lot of flowers. We do really try to encourage the concert promoters to make better use of the money they might spend.

"A lot of organisations around the world are intrigued by this idea. Sometimes you'll get flowers and a donation - it's really encouraging people to think outside the box."

Dame Evelyn, who has lived in the area for about 18 years, became aware of the work at the maternity unit at Hinchingbrooke Hospital when her personal assistant, Carla Leete, gave birth two years ago.

A firm supporter of local charities, Dame Evelyn also asks for donations to be made to East Anglia Children's Hospice (EACH) and recently raised £82.47 for the charity in the Busking Challenge on the BBC's Culture Show.

Dame Evelyn said she wants to bring life back into Huntingdon, working with the Commonwealth Hall to try and get more events organised for young people.

She added: "I see most things as having a domino effect. That's what community spirit is all about - participating as much or as little as you can. It's often the small things that make a big difference in the long run.

"We all may need to benefit from these organisations at one time or another - you never know."

INFORMATION: The New Life Appeal is aiming to raise £70,000 for the special care baby unit and maternity department at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. Anyone can get involved in the fundraising by contacting The Hunts Post on 01480 411481 or by e-mailing editor@huntspost.co.uk