Ed Sheeran gives incredible gift to old Worcester friend who asked for his help

John Parker, part of folk duo Nizlopi, said he approached the star to ask for help in spreading the word about his fundraising marathon run.

The group had a hit single with JCB Song in 2005 and Sheeran credited them with teaching him "basically every aspect of my live set".

Before Ed Sheeran became an international artist he worked as a guitar technician for the band and even opened some shows for them.

Mr Parker said Sheeran started helping with guitars for the Leamington Spa-based band in 2005, when he was 14, and "just used to hang out with us."

CHARITY: Ed Sheeran gifts old pal, John Parker, who used to live in Worcester, £10,000 for hospice who looked after his mum 

"You could see he was very talented and knew exactly what he was doing," he said.

Sheeran "just loved the music", he said, and was "clearly interested in the craft and how to perform."

Mr Parker said he was "massively touched" by the donation.

John contacted Ed on the ‘off chance’ to ask for help spreading the word about his fundraising and was amazed when just a few hours later he had received a £10,000 donation on his JustGiving page from ‘Ted’.

Mr Parker said he knew it was his old friend straight away and they have since chatted and exchanged banter about Mr Parker's running.

He said Sheeran "couldn't get his head around how far I run", but he suggested the star might want to take on marathon running himself, as a new challenge.

He added: “I’m massively touched by Ed’s sponsorship, kindness and support; it proves that no matter how famous you get, you can still be a top person.”

The money raised by Mr Parker will go to The Myton Hospices as thanks for the care the Myton at Home team gave to his mum at the end of her life.

John is running the Virtual London Marathon on October 3 in aid of the charity.

To make a donation go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/john-parker39