Torphichen’s Firth goes forth with drumming for pink

Drummer Julie Firth will be in the pink at the World Solo Drumming Championships in Glasgow on October 22nd regardless whether she is in the prize list, as she will be competing in support of Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres with a custom pink snare drum and pink sticks.

Firth, a member of the Grade 1 Torphichen & Bathgate Pipe Band of Bathgate, Scotland, returns to the competition several years after winning the Juvenile event when she was 16 years old. She is seeking sponsorship for her efforts in the Adult section.

“I’ve always said I would do the competition again and I felt this maybe is the last time I have the chance to do it,” Firth said, “but the added incentive this time is that I want to raise awareness and money for Maggie’s.”

Firth was inspired by two brushes with the disease: one after her father was diagnosed with prostate cancer, from which he is still recovering; the other was when doctors thoughts that she might have the condition herself, which thankfully was a false alarm.

“My dad had prostate cancer and the care and support that Maggie’s gave was fantastic,” Firth continued.  “He had to have his prostate removed and had to have further treatment because the cancer was very aggressive. I also had a breast cancer scare earlier in the year so I know how terrifying it can be to be on both sides.”

Firth’s band had one of the snares refinished in pink at their own cost, and she has been given permission by the RSPBA to compete with pink touches to her band uniform. She added that she has already met her sponsorship target but hopes to build on the support in the future for Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres.

In 2010 Firth spearheaded Torphichen’s successful efforts to start an organized training program, with which she does much of the snare instruction.

Those who wish to sponsor Firth can do so at http://www.justgiving.com/Julie-Firth-Torphy.