A man who nearly lost his life in a fall through a roof made an emotional step on the comeback trail last week as he launched a new music project.
Chris Dark has set up the All Inclusive Music Project (AIMP) to bring people together through music.
Last week the group held its first fortnightly Open Mic night at the recently reopened Royal Mail Cart.
And this weekend members will be taking to the stage on the Saturday at the Moulton Harvest Weekend.
The 41-year-old was the first one to take to the mic at the Wednesday Open Mic night, less than a year after he fell on to a metal cart while trying to fix a leak that resulted in him breaking his back in five places.
Looking to play music with others was part of his way of coming to terms with now being registered disabled.
The father-of-three’s wife Chloe struggled to hold back the tears as Chris performed in front of around 40 people who attended the Open Mic night set to take place at the Spalding pub every other week.
Other members of the around 100 people at the AIMP also played or sang songs or recited poetry at the Open Mic.
“I found it unbelievable,” said Chris. “It was very touching to sit in front of a large crowd, talk about mental health and the group’s aim.
“It brought a tear to my eye when it got a big cheer. It made me feel proud that everyone turned up to support me.
“The group is only five months old and it’s hard for me to comprehend how far it has come, from the dark place I was in when I first thought of the idea, to now.
“I looked up, saw my guitar and said I can’t do much anymore but I can help others that are suffering.
“All in all I am very proud of everyone who performed, who come to the sessions and who have supported me. It has given me a purpose in life.
“We also have well over 100 members in the group.
“The more the group reaches, the more it can help others.”
They’ve been meeting every other Sunday at Tonic Health’s Westlode Street base from 2pm to 4pm.
Recent practices have been leading up to them sharing the stage at Moulton this weekend and they will also have a float at next year’s Spalding Flower Parade.
For full details join the All Inclusive Music Project Facebook page.
