Stories of our work
Chris Griffiths

The Musicians Benevolent Fund gives essential help to professional musicians throughout their working lives when a crisis, such as an accident or illness, can have a devastating impact.

When Northern Sinfonia French horn player Chris Griffiths was diagnosed with a neuropathy disease, affecting his hands and feet, the Musicians Benevolent Fund was there to help.

Photograph by Dan Brady

Chris always enjoyed a busy life as a professional musician. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in 1969. After a year with the BBC Training Orchestra and a spot of freelancing in the early 70s, he joined the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and then took the principal job with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in 1975.

After joining Northern Sinfonia in 1990, he was diagnosed with the hereditary neuropathy disease, Charcot Marie Toothe - which affects feet and hands. By 2004 his mobility had deteriorated severely - he had a specially adapted car, manual wheelchair, crutches and an electric bike to help him to continue working and enjoying life.

“ It is no exaggeration to say that I now have a new lease of life. I feel I have a great debt to repay all who have helped and supported me, in particular the Musicians Benevolent Fund.”

At this point the Musicians Benevolent Fund had already responded with a generous one-off grant. This was just the beginning of the Fund’s help.

In July 2009, Chris opted to have a double amputation from below the knee. During the recovery period, the Fund helped by providing funds for a superior power chair which enabled his return to the orchestra six weeks after the operation. The Fund also helped with the purchase of a newly designed walker to assist his mobility with prosthetics and financial assistance was given to purchase basic living equipment and decoration for his flat.

Just over five months after the operation Chris is walking unaided and better than before. He says “I want to repay by using my lifetime’s experience in music - by continuing to play, teach, conduct and present my music workshops in all needy areas of the community.”

Help us to make a difference to musicians such as Chris, visit How you can help us

Watch Chris walking on his new prosthetic legs.