Haverhill man Gary Theobald to host Bury St Edmunds music event to raise funds for MyWiSH and West Suffolk Hospital

A Haverhill musician is looking to give thanks to the tireless work of hospital staff, without whom, he would no longer be here.

Gary Theobald has organised an 'electrifying' night of music at Moreton Hall Community Centre in Bury St Edmunds to raise funds for staff at West Suffolk Hospital, who helped him after a mental health crisis in 2019.

Set for March 4, it will feature three bands from the region, alongside a DJ, with all proceeds going towards the charity MyWiSH.

Mr Theobald praised hospital staff, who helped him get back on his feet when he hit 'rock-bottom', after he felt doctors in the area had failed.

The 63-year-old bassist, said: "My crisis lasted several months before I finally decided to take matters into my own hands.

"I was prepared to go to the hospital crisis team, but within a week I was admitted to see a psychiatrist, who helped me sort out my medication.

"This combined with a few months of home care in early 2020 really helped me make serious progress in coming out of my depression and inspired me to carry on.

"Struggling with mental health appears to be all too common nowadays and I hope this event would encourage others to seek help if they need it.

"It's not an over-exaggeration to say that they saved my life, and I'm eternally grateful."

Mr Theobald described donating to the charity as the best way to ensure staff at the hospital got the support they deserved.

The crew had planned to host an event in honour of the hospital for a while.

However, it was delayed due to issues with the Covid-19 pandemic, including a member of Mr Theobald's band, Giant Harpoon, coming down with long Covid.

They were determined to fulfil their promise to the hospital, they said.

Mr Theobald said he had been a professional artist for many years, and even donated some of his artwork to raise funds for the cause.

Donations would go towards providing funds for services at the hospital.

This included cancer counselling, child psychology, staff support, and A&E.

A primarily family affair, Giant Harpoon is a band featuring Mr Theobald, his son-in-law Ben, Ben's brother Callum Hull, and synth player Nigel Witney.

They will play a mix of original songs and cover hits.

Joining them will be Thomas Deulieu from Cambridge and The Ditch Dwellers, also from Suffolk.

Outside of the support for the charity Mr Theobald hoped the night would be uplifting, which is good for mental health.

He wanted to encourage people who may be struggling to come forward and talk about their concerns, instead of suffering in silence.

Mr Theobald added: "As someone who has been through it all, I can say that being honest about your struggles is a major help.

"Don't give up, take medication where offered, and – most importantly – make sure you do not shut yourself off from the world.

"Some people who suffer from anxiety and depression whither into a shell. It can be a desperate place to be, so make sure you see as many people as possible.

"I hope events like this encourage people to know they are not alone and that there's no shame in dealing with your problems head-on."