By Jill Stocks
They say that one good deed deserves another. And never has this been more true than in the case of Armley resident Simon Goulding.
Recently featured in the Dispatch for his positive actions in the community during lockdown 2.0, and known for his kindness, Simon recently revealed that he had found himself in financial difficulties in recent times and was advertising his DJ equipment and records for sale to make ends meet as he finishes his Masters degree.
Unable to do any DJing due to restrictions placed on the hospitality trade, and having had huge difficulty with his Universal Credit claim, Simon found himself having to face the very real possibility of parting with his pride and joy, plus a collection of records built over many years.
Friends reacted with huge sadness to the prospect of Simon losing something very important to him on both a personal and professional level. So they decided to do something about it.
Sam Hair, a friend of Simon’s for over ten years, decided to set up a Crowdfunder to return the love and support Simon had shown people over the years through his music and actions. And friends quickly rallied round to help with as little or as much as they could.
Having DJed at the Camel Club in Huddersfield and Speed Queen in Leeds as well as other venues Simon is well known in the clubbing community and this was reflected in the love shown to him through Crowdfunder and social media, with many referring to the happiness Simon had brought to them through music and the support he had shown them.
Richard Thompson was one of the supporters. He said:
“Let others lift you up like you happily do for everyone else”
Jamie Beaumont said:
“You have supported so many other people it’s time the other people support you.”
At the time of writing the fund had reached more than £2,300.
Simon has been hugely touched by the actions of his friends at a really tough time. And took to Facebook to give everyone a download present to thank them:
“After the awesome gesture from so many of my friends this week, I have decided as a thank you to release my debut album for free featuring Sam Readman. Many of you will know this has been a long time in the making.
Once again, a big thanks to everyone who has pitched in to help me out at a really crap time.
Big love to you all.“
The album can be heard here.
People can still donate to the crowdfunder here.
