An online fundraising campaign has exceeded expectations as a former bandmate of the late Smiths bassist Andy Rourke continues to raise money for a mural.
The drummer of the iconic Manchester indie band – Mike Joyce – set up a Crowdfunder campaign for a mural outside The Wheatseaf pub in the Norther Quarter to honour his late bandmate’s life.
Donations to pay for the artwork for the mural of the late Smiths bassist Andy Rourke are set to reach a new stretch target in just four days.
The initial target of £15,500 was met almost immediately and the revised stretch target of £25,000 is set to be met soon, with £22,269 already raised.
Giving an update on Andy’s Crowdfunder page, Joyce said: “Every penny counts and is so gratefully received. We read all your lovely comments too – they are so moving and inspiring. Andy was truly so loved.”
Rourke passed away aged 59 last May due to pancreatic cancer, and once the new £25,000 target is met, further donations will be donated to Pancreatic Cancer Action.
The fundraiser offers rewards for donations, with donors pledging £50 or more receiving limited edition A4 and A3 prints of the mural, signed by Joyce and artist Akse.
New rewards are to be announced soon, with the mural set unveiled in November, during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month.
Featured Image: luciane gomes, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
