#TransformTrauma Concert a Success

On Saturday night, with the help of three inspirational survivors, four amazing artists and one great host, over 1,200 music lovers helped shine light on trauma with Transformation: the music event to change lives.

The concert Transformation was organised by Barts Charity, in support of the life saving research undertaken by the Centre for Trauma Sciences, which created AfterTrauma.

At Shoreditch’s Village Underground, our host for the evening Sophie Morgan told her story, and why this cause means so much to her.

“Suffering trauma can be like your life ending and starting again,” she told the crowd.

Sophie – who co-hosted Channel 4’s Paralympic coverage earlier this year – was involved in a car accident when she was 18 and ended up paralysed from the waist down. She spoke movingly of the impact trauma can have on a life, and how it can happen to anyone.

Rukhsana Merrise kicked the night off in style, before Beach Baby played tracks from their debut album No Mind No Money. Kojey Radical followed them, drawing a strong crowd.

Becky Hill was the final act, playing a string of hits with a DJ set.

The true stars of the night were Chris, Sabrina and Ben, who inspired everyone with their video stories shown on the big screen. You can see the full videos here.

Each have experienced severe traumatic injury: Chris was knocked off his bike by a car, Sabrina was a victim of violent crime – shot while on a night out, and Ben was in a motorbike accident that left him paralysed from the waist down.

The three survivors joined Sophie on stage – alongside Dr Ross Davenport, one of the surgeons from The Royal London Hospital Major Trauma Centre – to tell a bit more about their experiences and why this night was important to them.

“I wanted to be someone who can give inspiration to others; that’s why I shared my story tonight,” said Ben.

And Dr Davenport explained more about the importance of our trauma appeal and why research is so critical. Trauma is the biggest killer of young people in the UK and – as he said: “It’s only through research that we can save lives and prevent suffering”.

After the concert, a 700-strong crowd packed in for the after party: The Switch Up - with Slocal, Faded and FutureSNDS, curated by Mercedes Benson and hosted by Kojey Radical.

We’d like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone involved in the night, especially Chris, Sabrina, Ben and Sophie – as well as the four amazing artists – the incredible support and dedication of Barts Charity, and Transformation sponsors Slater and Gordon.

And to everyone who came and made the night what it was, to everyone who donated to Barts Charity's trauma appeal, and to everyone who shared your messages on social media #TransformTrauma.  Here are just a few of the wonderful images trauma survivors and their supporters shared with us via that hashtag:

Follow the hashtag #TransformTrauma so see more inspiring images in support of the event.

Barts Charity and AfterTrauma intend to make Transformation an annual arts and music event in support of trauma survivors and trauma medical research.  Watch this space!

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Published 24th November 2016

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