Pianist to Play 24 Hour Fundraiser

It may well lead to a terrible case of RSI but it’ll all be for a good cause when Stephen Ridley takes on a 24 hour piano marathon. The 23-year-old from Hackney, London, will be tinkling the ivories for a full day outside the Tate Modern on Friday, July 6 as he raises money for Cancer Research UK.

As part of his fundraising effort, Ridley will be using one of 20 Golden Pianos which have been distributed across London as part of the Play Me, I’m Yours arts project. 

Ridley, a former investment banker who quit his job last year to become a street musician, decided to take on the charity marathon after his best friend’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Speaking of the daunting task ahead of him, Ridley said: “The most I’ve played for before without stopping is eight hours and I was exhausted then.” 

For Luke Jerram, the artist responsible for the Play Me, I’m Yours arts project, the charitable effort symbolizes how the simple piano project is interpreted in different ways. 

He said: “It’s amazing to watch how the pianos get used by different people and the stories that come out of them. 

“A couple of years ago a couple met at one site, fell in love and when they got married, they invited the piano to the wedding.”

 To make a donation, go to http://www.justgiving.com/Stephen-Ridley