Posted on 8 March 2010
A grant has been given to vocalist Eva-Maria Hess after her home was burned to the ground during the recent London riots.
Eva-Maria Hess has been left devastated after her worldly possessions, including her violin, piano, guitars, archives and recording work were destroyed when her flat in Tottenham was burned to the ground during the riots in London.
Due to the area around her flat being cordoned off, Eva only found out about the fire after watching a news report the following day. She says “It was utter shock and after being told by my landlord that my flat was being demolished, I suddenly realised that all I had was my handbag, phone, MacBook and the clothes on my back.”
A friend suggested that Eva get in touch with the Musicians Benevolent Fund, and she came in to meet with Welfare and Advice Manager Vicky Jones. “There was very little fuss and I was made to feel very comfortable. When I was told I could have an immediate grant I cried and hugged Vicky for a long time. It was the first real support I had received since everything happened.”
The Fund has also been talking to flautist Carla Rees, who lost an irreplaceable collection of flutes when rioters burned down her Croydon flat. The music world has rallied around to show its support to Carla, organising a Collection Fund in her name.
The Fund would like to thank all those who have donated in recent days towards musicians affected by the riots.
The full story can be read in our press release.