A 14-hour marathon playing the keyboard might sound like a serious punishment from a strict music teacher.
But, for one Norfolk woman, it’s just a Saturday night.
Noelle Scott, 70 from Necton, took to Facebook to live-stream her 14-hour performance, playing a medley of hits and requests for people as she raised money for Norfolk’s blood bikers, a group of volunteers who deliver life-saving blood and lab samples between NHS hospitals.
Mrs Scott was a semi-professional musician, playing at venues across Norfolk.
Along with her husband Dennis, they would travel across the region. Sadly, Mr Scott became ill and she had to care for him. He died 18 months ago.
She said she couldn’t have done the music without him. But with the development of technology and a friend’s suggestion, Mrs Scott is looking to get back into playing music
Mrs Scott was due to hold the keyboard event at The Forum in Norwich this April, but due to lockdown, the event was cancelled.
Not wanting to let the charity down, she set up her living room as the stage and held the event on May 9 using only an iPad, asking people to donate online.
“I’d never stop playing, I can sit at home and play from eight in the morning, until tea time. I’m playing until my dogs ask if we are going to get some tea. I just get lost in the music and I do not feel tired,” Mrs Scott said.
Armed with some energy drinks, coffee and paracetamol she played for 14 hours, five minutes and six seconds, continuously, only getting up to restart her live stream.
The show was shared across Facebook, and she had viewers from Merseyside, to Wales and even Tasmania watching her play. She has gone on to raise almost £800 for the bikers.
“I must be doing something right,” she said.
“I want to make sure with what time I’ve got left on this earth that I can keep supporting charities and entertaining people.”
These music marathons are nothing new to Mrs Scott, having done others in aid of charities during her musical career, playing for around 12 hours each time. This virtual marathon was the longest she has ever done.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here