Jason Allan is busking in Liverpool for 24 hours, aiming to break a record and raise money for charity.
He wants to break the longest busking record. A judge may come from the U.S. to observe his official attempt in August. Jason is raising money for two causes this time: to help homeless people and The MLD foundation.
The MLD foundation aids families who live with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy. This is a rare genetic disorder that causes loss of mental and physical skills.
Jason’s sister, Laura Allan, has this condition. She needs care around the clock. The disease changed their family’s life over the past 15 years, slowly taking away her abilities.
Laura was normal until she was a teen. Around ages 16 to 18, changes began. She stared in the mirror too long and sent confusing messages to people. Laura also left taps running and missed bills.
After years, she got an MLD diagnosis. Over time, it damaged her muscles. She can’t talk or do anything now at 37. Jason used to be her responsibility. Now he cares for her and wants to raise money to help the community.
Jason is used to busking challenges, although he says it is not always fun. Buskers face tough conditions and deal with all sorts of people. Jason has been busking for 20 years and has been assaulted and stolen from.
However, he loves performing for people. Jason says busking makes him happy. Some people drink or watch sports; he gets his happiness from work and connects with strangers deeply. This is a special experience for him.
He built a community through busking. Now people follow his original music. They attend his shows. He simply sings songs on the street, and it is a magical thing for him.
Jason wants people to choose his songs. He asks the audience what they prefer, as every place has different tastes. Some like music from the ’70s and ’80s; others prefer modern or rock music. His music blends pop sounds, and some songs are chill and emotional.
Friends and family think he is crazy and worry about the long hours. Others fear how people might treat him. Jason believes he can do it and will help others with the money raised. Curing Laura is now impossible, so he wants to help other families and people living on the streets.