Pub singer quits booze for a year and becomes an inspiration

Jonny King, from Winsford, set himself a daunting challenge in the run up to his 40th birthday.

"I was at a point in my life where I was needing a fresh start,"said Jonny. "As a singer and karaoke DJ in my spare time, pubs are a bit part of my life.

"When I announced my decision in a pub everyone laughed because they knew I was a pretty big drinker at the time.

"I never in a million years thought I would get so many donations. It is really humbling that I raised so much money and engaged with the community so much."

The first three months were the most difficult.

"It was a real challenge to mentally believe I was capable of having the confidence to sing without the crutch of alcohol to settle my nerves," said Jonny. "Then came lockdown, that's where the struggle began. Very quickly it became apparent that boredom was starting to set in. It's so easy to have a drink when sat doing nothing."

Jonny came up with the idea of a carpool karaoke, encouraging people to sing along with him on Facebook as he drove.

Jonny performed gigs in his garden on Facebook Live

Jonny performed gigs in his garden on Facebook Live

"It gave me so much confidence and raised money so I started to perform live gigs in my garden," he said.

"That first one raised £750 which was the biggest boost I ever had in my life," said Jonny, who works for Barclays at Gadbrook Park. "I was so overwhelmed with emotion that night, it started an incredible year."

When pubs reopened, Jonny was offered gigs in The Princess Feathers, Knights Grange and the George and Dragon and across the north west.

Jonny sang in pubs across Winsford and the north west

Jonny sang in pubs across Winsford and the north west

Jonny said: “I was being messaged daily by friends and strangers saying how I’ve helped them through lockdown. I have shown to everyone that if you believe in things you want to achieve and work hard, it will happen.

Jonny said he felt sluggish before he started the challenge

Jonny said he felt sluggish before he started the challenge

"I'm in a much better place now, I feel sharper and more energetic. Before, I used to feel sluggish, now I'm completely different. It is life changing."

"If I can do this, then anyone can achieve anything, you just have to conquer your mind.

Jonny says he now feels sharper and more energetic after turning his life around

Jonny says he now feels sharper and more energetic after turning his life around

"I have always looked at the hospice as a huge jewel in our little town, long may it continue.”

Angela Slack, community partnerships manager for the hospice, said: “We can’t thank Jonny enough for choosing St Luke’s to benefit from his amazing fundraising.

"We are overwhelmed not just by the fantastic amount Jonny has raised for the hospice, but by the strength and determination he has shown over the year.

"His fundraising has clearly impacted positively on his life and others during a very difficult year and we are delighted that St Luke’s has played a part in that.

"The money Jonny has raised and generously donated will help fund patient care at the Hospice and we are so very grateful for his ongoing support.”