A rock concert organised by sixth-former Suzie and her friends raised over £200 for the British Stammering Association.

My daughter Suzie has always stammered, and it has affected all areas of her life. However after singing lessons with a professional coach, we have seen her personality and confidence change beyond all recognition. Now a sixth-former and studying music technology, Suzie has grown in confidence as long as she is on stage! She has recognised that she does have the strength to perform, and that gives her the chance to beat the stammer.

With the help of her classmates the idea of a 'Hammer the Stammer' concert was born. The date was set for January 16th 2009, posters were drawn and printed, the school hall was booked, and after writing to the school head it was agreed that they would waive the booking fee. Other local rock bands were asked to perform, along with other talented pupils from both school and sixth form. In total six bands gave their time to the gig.

Tickets went on sale, and as the date loomed Suzie gets more and more anxious - ticket sales are slow, kids saying yes we will go but will pay on the door. As her parents all we hear is Suzie saying, "It's going to be a disaster, no one's interested! This is the last time I ever organise anything"!

The sixteenth day of January arrives, a nervous Suzie packs her backpack sets off to college, spends the day setting the stage and sound system along with her trusted band of helpers. Everything is all set. 6.30pm Kate and I set off to the school hall, where Suzie and crew are running around like headless chickens putting in place the final touches.

I am given my first job, "Dad, you are on the door." Over one hundred head banging youngsters file through one by one, some had tickets, most had not, they then had to cross my palm with £4 before getting past me! Soft drink sales went well, along with snacks, even a raffle, first prize a 'Hammer the Stammer' T-shirt.

At the end of a very loud night Suzie had raised a total of £440, of which half was given to the British Stammering Association. The other half was split between the Inclusion department, and the Music department at the sixth-form college.

Now back home Kate and I sit down with a warm mug of cocoa and the trusted paracetamol! Rock On.

Gary Kibblewhite

Extended version of an article in the Summer 2009 edition of Speaking Out, page 4.