It's Christmas time but Our Trace is oh so happy raising cash for good causes

Our Trace, real name Tracey Rhodes,  performs concerts and shows all over the West Midlands region and uses the opportunity to drop in a  good word for charitable efforts. 

He recent shows have resulted in her collecting £1,000 which is has been split between Burntwood & Cannock Chase Community First Responders and self-employed father-to-be Wayne Ashford, also from Burntwood, who suffered a spinal injury while on a job and is currently unable to work.

A cheque for £400 has been handed over to the responders who operate two vehicles and are trained to deal with category one and two callouts to give urgent care to a patient until an ambulance arrives. The remainder is due to presented to the Ashford family.

Tracey says: "I support a number of charities through my shows. But every now and then I hear of a group or a family in need. I got to hear about the good work the volunteer responders do because Cliff Thomas, a singer who sometimes  performs with me is also, one of the paramedics.

"Some of the money is for Wayne and his family. He's 29-year-old and he and his partner are expecting a new baby. The community have already put on a special entertainment night to lend an helping hand, but I thought we should something for him  to show our support. 

"It's a difficult situation. For me it's humbling that almost all my shows are sold out at this time of the year. We had seven venues and all but one of them has completely sold out."

 "I'm thankful to be in the position where while I'm performing, and the crowd is having a fantastic time I can take of my hat and pass it round. I have raised money for a number of charities in the past by simply doing that.

"The first responders often get to the scene before the regular ambulance service and you never know when you're going to need help and it's reassuring to know people in the area can rely on a such a good service on their doorstep. The teams are able to get to patients a fair few minutes fore the ambulance comes."

She hits the road with hubby and manager Terry, aged 79, and has already performed her Christmas show at Cannock's St Mary's Community Centre & Social Club; The Lido Club in Norton Canes; and at Willenhall's The Whimsey Inn in Lane Head. On December 18 she'll return to Willenhall to Short Heath Royal British Legion in Church Road. A few tickets are available for her show at The Crown in Aldridge on New Year's Eve.

For more details about her shows follow The Our Trace Fan Club page on Facebook.