Daughter's seizure led dad to start music festival

James Murden has put his hometown on the map through his love of organising community events

A man who co-founded a music festival that now attracts world-renowned acts said it all began in an effort to support a hospital that saved his daughter's life.

James Murden launched Good Times Live after his daughter was rushed to Bristol Children's Hospital during an epileptic seizure.

The festival at Chipping Sodbury, near Bristol, draws 20,000 people – and has hosted the likes of Billy Ocean, McFly and Natalie Imbruglia.

"Seeing your child helpless and lifeless is every parent's nightmare," said Mr Murden. "I said then, 'Anything I can do to raise money for this cause, I'll do it'."

Mr Murden, from Yate, has also run dozens of smaller events, including family fun days, comedy nights and bingo.

Speaking about the festival, he said: "The world can be a bit doom and gloom.

"I wanted to create something fun, something local that people could really enjoy together.

"We're [Yate] not well served by public transport, so I decided to bring world-class events to people's doorsteps instead."

But the festival isn't just about the music – it's about making a difference, he said.

Mr Murden has helped raise thousands of pounds in support of Bristol Children's Hospital.

Mr Murden (left), with fellow runners, joked that he had to crawl some of the London Marathon – but managed to finish it

He also supports charity Crohn's And Colitis UK, having lived with Crohn's disease – a chronic inflammatory bowel condition – for more than 15 years.

As part of his fundraising efforts, Mr Murden completed the London Marathon, an achievement that still amazes him.

"I'm not a fitness fanatic," he said. "I ran some, I jogged some, and I crawled some – but I finished, and I raised a lot of money doing it."

Mr Murden has now been named as a finalist in BBC Radio Bristol's Make a Difference Awards, in the Great Neighbour category.

You can find out more about the BBC Make a Difference Awards where you live here.