Ali drums up support for marathon fundraising effort

The brainchild of Errol Kennedy, drummer of 80s funk band Imagination, the global drumming marathon lasted for 240 hours and saw some of the world’s greatest drummers each performing for twelve hours straight.

Lisburn man Ali was delighted to be part of the fundraisiding effort, which has so far raised almost £30,000 for the NHS.

Taking on a twelve hour night shift from 9pm until 9am, Ali took over from The Kooks drummer Alexis Nunez, and at the end of his shift, he handed over to Paul Stewart from The Feeling.

The NHS is a cause very close to Ali’s heart as his partner Sharon is currently undergoing cancer treatment, which has been put on hold due to the Coronavirus pandemic. “The NHS has been a very big part of our lives,” said Ali. “We have got District Nurses coming in every week for Sharon and I know some of the nurses even watched the 12 hour shift I did in the drumathon. They have all been very good to us. It was a no-brainer for me to take part.”

When Ali saw that Errol had organised the drumming relay he was quick to reach out in the hope of getting one of the prestigious slots amongst some of the greatest drummers in the world. With a team based at a studio in London, Ali didn’t have to worry about the technical side of things and just concentrated on drumming. But even that was a huge undertaking. “That 12 hours was probably the toughest I’ve ever played,” admitted Ali, who is no stranger to drumming marathons, having achieved official world records in the past. “I was trying to keep it as professional as possible because I knew all of these professional drummers were watching. I only had two 10 minute breaks during the 12 hours. I am quite used to it but I was very, very tired and it took a lot out of me.”

But despite the exhaustion, sore back and wrists, Ali is delighted that he was able to take part in the event, raising much needed funds for the NHS, and having the chance to play with such esteemed company. “I am glad I did it. I have never been in the company of such musicians before. I was a bit star struck,” Ali admitted. “I was very lucky to get a slot. I am very thankful.”

He certainly hasn’t been put off however, and the whole team are already planning to try the relay again next year with the aim of securing an official world record.

If you would like to donate to this worthy cause visit

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/DrumForNHS You can also see the drummers in action again at https://www.twitch.tv/alphad2001