With his trusty trombone by his side, Big G has entertained many of Derry’s punters at local pubs, clubs, Christmas shindigs and weddings over the years.

His latest mission is a complete change from bringing joy to the slightly inebriated, he’s packing up and heading off to Guatemala to provide homes and shelter to some of the South American country’s neediest people.

Gareth, 34, was raised in Rosemount but spent a lot of his time at his grandmother’s house in ‘The Bog’. It was a short walk from St Columb’s on Bishop Street but was usually full of incident.

“Walking up Bishop Street and down to The Bog with a massive trombone case by my side meant I was usually hassled by soldiers more often than not. I used to have to open up the case so they could check inside, but they didn’t seem overly impressed if I ever offered to play them a tune,” said Gareth.

Music has always played a significant role in his life, and he is thankful to the men who encouraged his musical ability during his formative years.

“I had some really happy times at St. Columb’s. Donal Doherty - who is now head of music at WELB - arrived at the school around the same time as I did. He fostered my musical ability and it made my time at St Columb’s so much more rewarding.

“David Asater and Bob Quick had a massive influence on me and I ended up playing in orchestras and bands throughout the north. During that time, I made many life-long friends and I have some great memories from those days,” he said.

Gareth left Derry to study law in Coventry but the tragic death of a rugby team-mate coupled with the blow of losing his beloved grandmother meant that he returned to Derry prematurely. He has picked up the gauntlet again and is currently completing his law degree at Magee on a part-time basis.

He said: “I got a job working with the Housing Executive and that sparked an interest in getting involved in community work. I work as a mentor and help kids who are in the care system. They can be as young as five, and we are there to provide help and support as and when they need it as they grow into teenagers and young adults.”

It was a small jump from working with deprived youngsters in Derry to those in Guatemala.

Gareth said: “I’ve always tried to help people out in whatever way I can, it’s just something that has always been the way in our house. Being selfish was unheard of when we were growing up and I have my family to thank for passing on that trait. If I can help someone, I will. It might involve looking for, applying for and getting funding for a community group, local football team or whatever. If it’s not a field where I have any expertise then I can usually direct people to someone who can help them.”

Second trip

This will be Gareth’s second trip to help the people of Guatemala. As a Spanish speaker and qualified first-aider, it made sense for the Housing Executive to pick him for the role.