A MARATHON busking fundraising event has raised more than £6,000 for Southmead Hospital.

The Great Brunel Buskathon, which took place throughout June, was organised by the Southmead Hospital Charity to support the services across North Bristol NHS Trust, with performers being invited to do their bit by putting on a show.

Many of the performances took place at the hospital itself, with several members of the trust even taking to the stage to busk.

Adrian Brown, the charity’s community appeals manager, said: “Many patients and their families really appreciated the great atmosphere the performances created in the hospital.

“We had choirs, cabaret artists, bassoonists, a ukulele band, ballet dancers - and for four weeks we had concerts in our hospital on nearly every week day.”

The money raised through the Buskathon will go towards medical research, specialist equipment and to help improve treatment facilities for patients at the hospital.

Mr Brown added: “This is the first year we’ve hosted such a large and varied event and we’d like to say a very heartfelt thank you to all the performers who donated their talents and time to raise funds for us. Everyone who performed or who dropped coins in our buckets has helped make a big difference to people coming into our hospital or using our services.”

The charity have said that a Christmas special of the Buskathon take place in December. To take part, contact adrian.brown@southmeadhospitalcharity.org.uk