Drumathon is a four-hour, non-stop African drumming challenge I’m taking on as both a personal endurance test and a community fundraising event. Playing continuously for that length of time is physically demanding and mentally focused — and that challenge is very much the point.

This project is rooted in my own journey. In my twenties, I struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, and African drumming became one of the things that helped me find structure, focus, and a way forward, alongside the support of other people. That’s why Drumathon is raising funds for Project 6, whose work supports people facing those same challenges today.

Drumathon isn’t just about endurance — it’s about rhythm, support, and bringing people together around something positive.

The short video below explains where the idea for Drumathon came from and what the challenge will involve.

Why Drumathon Matters to Me

African drumming has been part of my life for over three decades, but its role has gone far beyond music. During a difficult period in my twenties, when I was struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, rhythm became one of the things that helped me rebuild structure, focus, and a sense of direction — alongside the vital support of other people. I’m now 26 years clean and sober, and that journey continues to shape how and why I work with rhythm today.

Drumathon grows directly out of that experience. African drumming, with its grounding pulse, shared rhythms, and physicality, taught me the value of staying present and connected through challenge rather than stepping away from it. That’s why this project feels so closely aligned with Project 6, whose work centres on support, connection, and practical help for people affected by drug and alcohol addiction — the same combination of things that made a difference in my own life.

At its heart, Drumathon is about recognising that people don’t get through difficult periods on their own — and that rhythm, community, and encouragement can play a powerful role in that process.

A Shared Rhythm: How Drumathon Works on the Day

Drumathon will take place on:

Saturday 28th February 26 13:00-17:00 at

Sharrow Community Forum, The Old Junior School, South View Rd, Sharrow, Sheffield S7 1DB.

While I’ll be taking on the challenge of four hours of continuous African drumming, the event itself is designed as a community drum circle. People are warmly invited to come and join the drumming, play accompaniment rhythms alongside me, and help carry the energy of the four-hour journey.

Throughout the event, we’ll be supporting participants with simple, accessible African rhythms, and everyone is welcome to play for as long or as little as they like. Some people may dip in briefly, others may stay longer — all of it contributes to the shared experience. Drumathon is about collective rhythm, encouragement, and togetherness, using African drumming as a way to bring people together while raising funds for Project 6.

How You Can Support Drumathon

There are a few simple ways you can support Drumathon and help make the event a success.

If you’d like to sponsor the challenge, you can make a donation via the JustGiving page. All funds raised will go to Project 6, supporting their work with people affected by drug and alcohol addiction.

You’re also very welcome to come along on the day, join the drumming for as long or as little as you like, and be part of the shared rhythm and atmosphere. Every person who plays, listens, or brings encouragement helps carry the energy of the four-hour journey.

And finally, sharing Drumathon — with friends, family, colleagues, or on social media — makes a real difference. The more people who know about it, the more support we can generate for the charity and the wider community.

Thank you for being part of it.