Photo shows John Maroniti and Peter Walters
The music was flowing along with the generous spirit of the Warrnambool community which turned out in force to Hotel Grand yesterday afternoon. About 200 people attended the fund-raising concert held to raise money for teenager Christopher Pyke, 13, who is battling a rare form of myeloid leukaemia. Six local bands donated their time to perform for the fund-raiser, with prizes and giveaways donated by numerous Warrnambool businesses. The pool table was laden with prizes for the numerous raffles, as electrical goods, watches, videos, children's toys, wine and beer was given away to patrons. For Christopher's mother, Donna Bannister, the outpouring of assistance and support was gratifying, as she paid tribute to the number of people who had turned out for the day and the help of local businesses. "We're just so grateful. The response from Warrnambool businesses has been fantastic", she said. Ms. Bannister said the benefit concert took about five weeks to organise with friends and family pitching in to help. The money raised from yesterday's concert will go towards helping Christopher's family with the accommodation, food and transport costs of travelling to Melbourne while Christopher undergoes treatment. Ms. Bannister said Christopher was unable to attend the concert yesterday because he could not be exposed to any infections. Ms. Bannister's partner, John Maroniti, said Christopher could be undergoing treatment in Melbourne for up to three years. Mr. Maroniti yesterday played with the re-formed band Granny's Grave at the benefit gig and said the support for the event was fantastic. "It goes to show there's a lot of good spirit in Warrnambool people" he said. Another benefit concert to raise money for Christopher will be held in Portland on September 15 with country singer Lee Kernaghan.
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