A KENDAL drummer will be learning 500 songs, going without sleep and eating one-handed for two days in a bid to raise thousands for a cancer charity.
 

After undertaking a gruelling 24-hour drum-a-thon two years ago, John Powney is now doubling that with a 48-hour event at Bootleggers.
 

From 5pm on May 6 until 5pm on May 8 the percussionist with The Seals, among other local bands, will be drumming non-stop, accompanied by a host of local acts.
 

“It’s easier if I don’t have any time off,” John explained, “it’s like running – acid builds up so it’s when you stop that you get tired.
 

“The issue will be staying awake - I was an emotional wreck at the end of the first one so for this one not only will I be an emotional wreck but I’ll also be hallucinating from sleep deprivation.”
 

The event is to raise money for Kendal’s branch of Cancer Care – John raised £5,000 with his last drum-a-thon and is hoping to ‘completely eclipse that’ this time around.
 

Entry is free but there will be collection buckets, a raffle, auction, a special beer brewed for the event, and donations can be made via the page www.justgiving.com/48hourdrumathon.
 

Bands confirmed so far include Ulpha 590, The Seals, Quay Change, Bedlam, Knighthood, Fabulous Picasso Brothers, Catch 22 and Munkizunkl.