Dentists to drum up smiles at charity gig

Two dental surgeons from a leading North East dental health group will swap their scrubs for guitars when they take part in a special charity event this month. Dr Richard Leck and Dr David Lawler from Osborne Dental are members of local band The Vellocette - alongside David’s brother Andrew - and will be performing with ‘The Whodlums and Friends’ at Newcastle’s 02 Academy on Saturday, November 28, in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. The trio, who are well known in the region’s live music scene, have been performing for two and a half years at a wide range of venues across the North East. Richard is the drummer, David plays guitar, Andrew plays bass, and all three members share vocals. In a recent review, NARC Magazine described the band’s music as “upbeat and lively” with “an uplifting and refreshing dynamic”. On November 28, The Vellocette will join six other renowned local bands - The Ska Toons, Rigid Digits (tribute to Stiff Little Fingers), The Middens, Acoustic Weller, Clint and Slow Moving Targets - to support headline act The Whodlums, who are billed as being the UK’s finest tribute to The Who and have been endorsed by The Who’s lead singer Roger Daltrey. Music lovers will be treated to an evening of mod, RnB, ska, punk and indie rock and roll, and all profits will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust. David said: “We’re really looking forward to joining some of the North East’s finest acts for what promises to be a brilliant night of live music. It’s a pleasure to be supporting The Whodlums in their fundraising efforts for Teenage Cancer Trust and we can’t wait to play on the main stage.” Richard said: “The 02 Academy will be the biggest venue to date for The Vellocette and we’re thrilled to be performing there on such a special evening. “As dentists, we find that rehearsing, trying out new songs, playing at gigs and meeting other musicians is a great way to relax when we’re not in surgery, and it’s even better that we have the opportunity to help raise funds for such an inspirational charity.” Osborne Dental has been looking after the oral health and wellbeing of its patients for more than 25 years, offering both NHS and private dental services. It forms part of the award-winning Osborne Dental Group, alongside sister practices Stanley Dental and Ponteland Dental. Osborne Dental’s principal dentist, Dr Onkar Dhanoya, said: “We’re always delighted to support our team with their charity work and hobbies, and there’s no doubt that we have a talented group at the Osborne Dental Group – from keen runners and triathlon participants to cooking enthusiasts and musicians. “We can’t wait to see David and Richard trade their surgical lamps for stage lights when they perform at the 02 Academy. We’re very proud that they’ve been invited to join a line-up of other talented local bands to back a fantastic cause, and we’re sure that the evening will be a great success.” Doors for The Whodlums and Friends open at 4.30pm on Saturday, November 28. Tickets are now on sale for £10. Book by contacting The Vellocette at www.facebook.com/Vellocette, call the 02 Academy Newcastle on 0844 477 2000, or visit www.o2academynewcastle.co.uk Louise Miles, fundraising manager for the North East at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Every penny raised by The Vellocette will help us to support teenagers and young adults with cancer. We’ve made huge progress in making sure that young people with cancer have the best treatment, care and support, but there is so much more to do. “Right now, for every young person we help, there is another we can’t, so the support from Richard, David, Andrew and the other bands really does make a difference.” Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for the seven young people aged between 13 and 24 diagnosed with cancer every day. The charity has a unique partnership with the NHS, working to embed vital services within NHS hospitals, complementing and significantly extending the care and support young people with cancer receive. For more information, visit www.teenagecancertrust.org For further information about Osborne Dental, visit www.osbornedental.com, call 0191 281 3913, follow @osbornedental on Twitter and like Osborne Dental on Facebook.