Thank you Steve Owen!

May 22, 2023

Steve Owen has raised nearly £4,000 of vital funds for Electric Umbrella after he cycled the length of Africa.

Steve Owen was aiming to raise as much money as possible to help us create amazing live music experiences with learning disabled people.


Steve’s journey started back in January as he set off from Cairo, Egypt and cycled all the way to Cape Town, South Africa - a journey of over 9,000km.


Steve’s trip took over three months to complete as he saw some incredible sights and sounds on his journey through the continent.


His efforts equated to around 125 km per day for five days at a time, with one day off for rest and then repeat. Steve camped for the duration of his journey through the continent and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.


He said: “When I went to my first Electric Umbrella event, I really reflected on it thinking: ‘Come on, some of the volunteers there, what they give up and the effort they put in is greater than the effort I did’.


“Without a shadow of a doubt, mine was just scratching the surface. They’re doing it day in, day out.They deserve a bigger medal than mine.


“The lesson of Electric Umbrella is redefining what’s normal - and it was the same in Africa.To give an analogy of that - on this trip there was a 73-year-old, a 78-year-old and a couple of 66-year-olds. They redefined what’s normal.


“They were amazing people - and it just shows you not to label people. Nothing is normal.”


We create amazing, meaningful live music experiences with learning disabled people, who learn new skills and build confidence.


In doing so, we believe we can help empower learning disabled people to be who they are - and consequently challenge perceptions.


Given the right support, and fantastic opportunities, we believe anyone can be a superstar.


CEO Mel Boda said: “We are absolutely bowled over by the effort Steve has made to raise vital funds and awareness for Electric Umbrella.


“To continue to deliver amazing music experiences for learning disabled people, this kind of support is crucial.The impact of Steve’s efforts will be far-reaching. We would like to thank him for his selfless actions and wish him a well-earned rest!”


You still can donate to Steve’s JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steveowentda


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