Hatty’s Fund
In November 2020, Hatty was tragically killed in a road accident in Somerset whilst walking her dog. She was just 24 years old and was a very close and dear friend to Tom (who set up SGS - now called Grounded Sounds) and his family. Hatty joined 20 other fundraisers in 2019 to walk 100km along the Ridgeway, individually raising over £1100 for SGS. She courageously battled huge blisters to complete the 2-day challenge, whilst finding the strength to encourage other walkers along the way with her great humour and stories. Those who knew Hatty will know how incredibly kind she was and how brightly she lived.
Hatty was a great lover of music. In memory of her - and in recognition of the money she raised - we have set up a special fund for young musicians. This will gift a number of young people brand new instruments to use at home. We will work with local school music teachers to identify those students who would most benefit from this help, given that they may not otherwise be able to afford or access an instrument themselves. This is our small way of honouring Hatty's life and the impact she made on those who were lucky to meet her.
Our thoughts remain with her wonderful and loving family at this time.
Here is a video about our first delivery - to Natalie at Brixton Wings. One year later, we have heard that Natalie has recently been awarded scholarship to London Music College.
Blackpool
On a recent trip to Blackpool in Autumn 2023, twenty instruments were delivered to young people from three separate schools in high areas of need. 10 ukeleles were delivered to High Furlong School and some of these recipients are pictured here. You can see the video of this trip on the Hatty’s Fund Instagram page here.
£1105
Raised by Hatty in 2019
£21511
Additional donations made since
£3654
Total gift aid from both
£26270
Total raised
Instrument Donation Plan
We have been working closely with schools and youth centres to find young people who will most benefit from having their own, brand new and high-quality instrument. For keyboards, we ensure that the keys are weighted and therefore similar to a piano. Every pound raised goes directly to purchasing. With accessories included (stand, stool, plectrums, bag etc), we spend on average £250 per instrument.
Michael (Year 10)
‘I want to take music as far as I can, it’s a passion of mine I can’t and won’t give up... I’ve always wanted to play the electric guitar. The immense gratitude I would have if I were to receive one would be indescribable’. Michael is from Lilian Baylis Technology School and is pictured with his Dad.
Samuel (Year 11)
Samuel was delighted to receive his own keyboard after woking hard in school. He is from St Gabriels College and is pictured with his music teacher Mr Leaver.
Marlon (Year 8)
Marlon is from Pimlico Academy and is pictured here with his Dad, who said: ‘This will really help and will mean he can practice at home as well as at school.’
Richard (Year 8)
Richard has recently started learning drums at school and performs with the Samba group. He is a dedicated and hard working student who takes music very seriously. Here he is with his brand new electric drum kit.
Sienna (Aged 7)
Sienna lost her Mum at just 3 days old. She lives with her Grandma (pictured). At Brixton Wings youth centre, her piano teacher was keen to reward her for her work and Sienna was surprised and delighted to receive her own keyboard.
Martin (Year 11)
Martin is involved in the SGS after school programme at Lilian Baylis School and is ‘constantly practising’ according to his teacher. He was over the moon to receive his own bass guitar and amp.
Alex (Year 9)
Delivery number 8 went to Alex, who has for a long time hoped for her own flute and was surprised and delighted to receive this gift - thanks to her father and teacher who nominated her.
Thank you
Thank you to all those who have supported the fund so far. Image design is by Hatty’s cousin, Frances. You can find Hatty’s Fund on Instagram here.