Fundraiser for Thom Belk raises 'unbelievable' total

Thom, well known in Salisbury music and football scenes, died suddenly on Boxing Day aged 36.

After his death, a special fundraising event was held at Rude Giant on Brown Street on Saturday January 6.

A number of different bands and DJs entertained the crowd from 4pm, and all the money raised is being donated to a foundation set up in his name by his family.

A £3,873 donation has been left on the gofundme page by 'Rude Giant Beerhouse Fundraiser'.

That puts the total amount of money raised at £14,183, from an initial target of £6,000. 

Thom Belk. Picture by Spencer Mulholland

Andy Belk, Thom's father, told the Journal he was "over the moon" with the total. 

He said: "It's been very overwhelming, the amount of messages we have had, not just about Tom, but from people offering to help, and offering to raise money.

Mr Belk described the £4,000 from the night at Rude Giant as "unbelievable". 

All the money raised will now go straight into the foundation, which will raise money for young people in Salisbury to help learn music, as well as helping with producing and performances.

Thom's sister Charlotte told the Journal:  “The tribute gig at the Rude Giant on Saturday was a huge success. Thom would have been so proud. So many people came that a queue had formed, they ran out of wrist bands and it was a ‘one in, one out’ event! Thom was have loved that!”

One of the organisers of the night at Rude Giant, Colin Holt, said: “There is a massive void left in our musical community now.

“Thom was a trailblazer really. He championed up and coming bands, local bands, anyone really. He was a great student and had a passion for everything.”

More events are already planned. 

Wilton Live 2 will take place on Saturday, January 27, at the Wilton Community Centre.

There will be two stages and the event will run from 3pm to 11pm.

There will also an event at the Royal British Legion on February 17.