More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A recovering addict from Kent is travelling the UK with a piano in order to share his belief that music saves lives.
James Tofalli, from Medway, started the journey at John O' Groats, Caithness, Highlands, and aims to finish at Land's End, Cornwall, all while carrying his 270kg piano on a trolley.
James playing Children by Robert Miles on the banks of Loch Ness, Highlands
The former chef, who is now a full time musician, battled an addiction to ‘zombie drug’ Spice but went cold turkey in 2015 and found playing piano gave him something to live for.
He now hopes to spread the message that music 'saved his life' and also help others struggling with addiction and mental health.
James, 29, improvises classic music covers in a blues style and has already stopped off at several beauty spots including Castletown, Thurso, Inverness, and Loch Ness armed only with his piano, trolley, and a small supply of food and clothes.
He is already on his second piano - the first falling victim to potholes on the roads - and has been wowed by the response from people who have witnessed his performance.
James said: "There has been so much positivity from members of the public, lots of beeps and waves which is all I need.
"Playing happens as and when the feeling is right. I started on April 16 and expect to see Lands End at the beginning of next year.
"There have been tough days but the public keeps me from stopping.
"The biggest challenge has been potholes.
"The trailer has flipped three times due to potholes and killed piano number one.
"Piano number two has only recently joined the journey after being delivered to me in a van from my sponsors."
James says he usually feeds himself but will "never say no to hospitality".
On inspiring others, he said: "To be comfortable enough to talk about my past is inspiring so many people.
"The message I am trying to spread is that music saved my life, it can yours too.
"I was addicted to spice in 2015, and after going cold turkey for 17 days the first place I went to was St Pancras station in London and sat and played at the piano.
"I've never looked back.
"I had very few keyboard lessons as a child, but I pushed away from it as it was something that was pushed onto me.
"I only really started concentrating on it from 2015."
James has received nearly £4,000 in donations and hopes to be able to use the money to create a foundation to provide music workshops across the UK.
James said: "I hope to be able to provide music aid through pop-up and online workshops by providing instruments and lessons across the board.
"I want to be able to provide free instruments, as funding for music is constantly being cut.
"Music saved my life from addiction in 2015, and it's been my mission to inspire ever since."
To donate, visit here.
