13th June 2023
Alive!
An evening of entertainment to celebrate life
Join hosts David Attree and Bob Harris OBE, plus some very special and amazing performers as they all celebrate being Alive, in their own, brilliant ways!
A unique evening, bringing together performers who all have a very special energy of their own.
Hosted by Bob Harris, who will be in conversation with David during the night about some of the highlights and special moments in his incredible career.
Grab yourself a ticket and you’ll be entertained, amused and amazed (you need to see Gramski in action to believe what he can do!)
Relax, at the iconic and luxurious Rockwater on Hove lawns, where you will have views out to sea as stories, music, laughs and anecdotes are shared.
A brilliant chance to hear Bob chat about some hidden gems, and to support the charity that he is a proud ambassador for.
David hits his 20th bionic birthday this year, so has gathered together a line-up to celebrate that is a guaranteed treat.
This event will, truly, make you glad that you are there, and remind you how precious it is to be: Alive!
Bob Harris OBE
BBC Legendary Broadcaster, aortic dissection survivor and Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust ambassador
David Attree
Writer, performer, aortic aneurysm survivor and Aortic Dissection Charitable Trusts supporter
Rich Wilson
Award-winning stand-up comedian
Hatful of Rain
Americana and folk story-tellers
Gramski
Audience-led freestyle rap
Robert Garnham
The ”Professor of Whimsy”
Event details
Rockwater, Hove BN3 4FA
Tuesday, June 13th 2023
Doors open at 7.30pm
David’s Story
Late in 2002, David’s cousin, Peter, suffered a sudden and devastating aortic dissection.
After becoming ill at work, Peter was taken to hospital but vital checks weren’t done and he was due to go home after being misdiagnosed. A consultant noticed him in the hospital waiting room by chance though, approached him, listened to his heart, paused, then paged the theatre team there and then.
Peter survived an 18-hour emergency operation, beating the odds after suffering an ascending and descending dissection simultaneously.
Tragically, Peter passed away 3 months later and Marfan Syndrome was discovered.
David was the same age bar 2 days so went for checks for reassurance, only to discover that he had a life-threatening aneurysm and was given 4 weeks to have open-heart surgery to replace his ascending aorta and have a mechanical valve fitted.
When he went into theatre, David had a mantra, knowing it would be his first conscious thought on the other side.
It was, simply: “I am no longer ill. I am alive. I am now.”
David’s Story
Late in 2002, David’s cousin, Peter, suffered a sudden and devastating aortic dissection.
After becoming ill at work, Peter was taken to hospital but vital checks weren’t done and he was due to go home after being misdiagnosed. A consultant noticed him in the hospital waiting room by chance though, approached him, listened to his heart, paused, then paged the theatre team there and then.
Peter survived an 18-hour emergency operation, beating the odds after suffering an ascending and descending dissection simultaneously.
Tragically, Peter passed away 3 months later and Marfan Syndrome was discovered.
David was the same age bar 2 days so went for checks for reassurance, only to discover that he had a life-threatening aneurysm and was given 4 weeks to have open-heart surgery to replace his ascending aorta and have a mechanical valve fitted.
When he went into theatre, David had a mantra, knowing it would be his first conscious thought on the other side.
It was, simply: “I am no longer ill. I am alive. I am now.”
That was on April 24th 2003 and David has always felt that as he was “switched off” for a few hours during surgery, when he was re-started, he was also reset.
So, in his mind, this year he turned 20, and acknowledges and celebrates the fact of being alive every single day!
“Alive!” will be a celebration of life, of what David loves to do, watch and be a part of, all of which have come about since he became bionic, so having the chance to cherish survival, to bring together brilliant people and performers and spend an evening chatting with Bob Harris, a man who has experienced incredible moments, is a perfect way to celebrate.
Alive! will be a perfect salute to Peter, to share how he sees life and to our charity, which is as determined as he is to educate, to support and to make positive changes for people we do not know but want to help, however we can.
That was on April 24th 2003 and David has always felt that as he was “switched off” for a few hours during surgery, when he was re-started, he was also reset.
So, in his mind, this year he turned 20, and acknowledges and celebrates the fact of being alive every single day!
“Alive!” will be a celebration of life, of what David loves to do, watch and be a part of, all of which have come about since he became bionic, so having the chance to cherish survival, to bring together brilliant people and performers and spend an evening chatting with Bob Harris, a man who has experienced incredible moments, is a perfect way to celebrate.
Alive! will be a perfect salute to Peter, to share how he sees life and to our charity, which is as determined as he is to educate, to support and to make positive changes for people we do not know but want to help, however we can.
With your help, we can make a real difference in lives now and in the future.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards funding research and providing much-needed resources for those impacted by this devastating condition.
Can’t make it but want to support David?
Even if you can’t come along and support David on the day, you can still make a valuable contribution by donating. Every pound counts towards making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by this condition.