A MUSIC producer who tours the world with famous acts raised more than £1,000 for an arts project by walking from Oxford to London.

Tim Hand, from Charlbury, walked more than 100 miles along the Thames with his father Michael between September 15 and 20 for the Ark T Centre in Cowley.

The father-of-two has raised £1,133 so far with the walk, which took him to the doors of the Royal Festival Hall where he often works.

Mr Hand, 34, a freelance live production manager for the likes of Michael Nyman and Kronos Quartet, said: “It went really well.

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“I’m really pleased with the amount we raised, which for the Ark T Centre represents 30 one-hour, one-on-one sessions.”

Founded in 1997, the Ark T Centre at John Bunyan Baptist Church runs art and music projects for people of all ages and backgrounds.

It has studio space for recording sessions and rooms for art exhibitions, classes and workshops.

Mr Hand, who volunteers at the Crowell Road project, said: “Ark-T as a whole is an inclusive hub for artists of all types.

“The centre is based in one of the less privileged areas of Oxford and has a great track record of engaging its local community.

“I have seen first-hand how powerful its work has been, particularly in the area of developing young women in music and their work with young offenders, through music directly relevant to them and their experiences.”

He had an extra motivation to help the centre, as the music project there was formerly run by his good friend Kate Garrett, who died of cancer in 2009.

He added: “Her impact, particularly on young women on the Oxford scene, still resonates strongly.

“Ark T continues to carry on important and underfunded work and it’s in her memory I did the walk.”

The centre said it was “delighted” with his donation.

Fundraiser Henrietta Gill said: “This will really make a difference to the numbers of young people we can continue to work with here at Ark T, and the amount of time our team can spend with each person.”

  •  Find out more at ark-t.org and sponsor Mr Hand at justgiving.com/Tim-Hand


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