Charity concert returns in honour of schoolboy who lost his life to allergic reaction

A charity concert, honouring schoolboy Ruben Bousquet, will be held at the Great Hall at Blackheath Halls on 22 April 2023.

‘The Hope Hoot’, returning for its second year following a three-year hiatus, will be raising money and awareness for two allergy charities, Allergy UK and Anaphylaxis UK.

The event has been organised by the Schwab family, including actor John Schwab (The Queen’s Gambit and Das Boot) whose son Jack Schwab, a musician, has a serious cashew nut allergy. Jack will also be performing as part of the concert.

Many of the artists appearing have direct connections with allergies and are happy to perform for such an important cause. The packed evening of performances includes The Reduced Shakespeare Company, The Ukeladeez, AJ Wander, The Military Wives Choir (Brompton & Invicta), Jack Schwab, Gene Morrissey, Black Wolf Blues, Pamela Blair (Beauty and the Beast Curtains), The Ambassadors of Sound and Polly Paulusma. The evening will be compered by award-winning comedian Brandon Burke.

There will also be speeches during the night and a chance for attendees to speak with volunteers and learn more about the charities.

John Schwab, actor, event organiser and father of Jack Schwab, said:

“Jack, Tamsin and I are delighted to present The Hope Hoot 2023.  The vital work undertaken by Anaphylaxis UK and Allergy UK gave us an immeasurable amount of support whilst Jack was growing up with a severe nut allergy.  In giving back, we are honoured to share this platform with Judith Bousquet’s family and her Allergy UK fundraising campaign  “Judith’s Wish” in memory of her beloved son, Ruben.  Once again, we will celebrate human connections and community support through song, laughter and entertainment.”

Judith Bousquet, mother of Ruben Bousquet, said:

“This event, in honour of my son Ruben, is so important in bringing together people to raise awareness of allergies, and it promises to be a very special night for everyone. There will be many people attending who understand the challenges that allergies bring and have experienced the help and support that the charities, Allergy UK and Anaphylaxis UK, provide.”

Simon Williams, Chief Executive of Anaphylaxis UK, & Carla Jones, Chief Executive of Allergy UK said: 

“We can’t thank the Schwab family enough for their efforts in organising and hosting this amazing event. Not only have they prepared a full line up of performances with extremely talented musicians and actors, they’re also bringing people together to raise awareness and funds for our allergy charities.”

Tickets are £12.50, £10 concessions and £7.50 for Under 16’s and available from https://www.blackheathhalls.com/whats-on/the-hope-hoot/

All profits from the evening will be split between the two charities and donated in the names of Ruben Bousquet and Jack Schwab.

ENDS

Allergy UK

Allergy UK, is the operational name of the British Allergy Foundation, and is the only national charity working on behalf of patients across the full allergy spectrum. It provides advice and support to people with allergies and works with healthcare professionals and decision makers to help advance research, diagnosis and treatment. Allergy UK acts as the ‘voice’ of the 41 million people in the UK living with allergy, representing the views and healthcare needs of those whose lives are impacted by this multi-organ disease.

Anaphylaxis UK

Anaphylaxis UK is the only UK-wide charity operating solely for the growing numbers of people at risk of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. While there’s no treatment or cure for anaphylaxis, we believe that by providing information, training and support, there is a brighter future for people living with serious allergies.

Our mission is to create a safe environment for everyone with allergies by working with and educating the food industry, schools, pre-schools, colleges, health professionals and other key groups. From our helpline to AllergyWise training and educational resources, we not only empower people to understand how to manage their allergies, but their families and loved ones, places of work and learning and more.