MARTIN THOMAS

Martin first embraced the world in 1967 in Cardiff. His childhood was troubled and Martin was eventually taken into care, where he stayed until his late teens. Martin had a zest for meeting new people, and he spent his young adulthood travelling around the UK, working in pubs and clubs and connecting with people of all ages through this. One of Martin’s most regaled tales was of his time spent living in a Monastery, practicing a peaceful and wholesome way of life. Home would keep calling, and Martin often went back to Cardiff for short spells before taking to the road once more.

Martin would become enamoured with Bedford after he first came in 2009/2010. He settled down there and became heavily involved in numerous community groups and organisations, including Music24, Oxfam and local mental health projects around the county. Martin was a vibrant, intelligent and calming individual who sought to bring out the best in people, despite suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, mental health issues and problems around addiction.

In 2017, Martin played a large part in forming Outreach Music Group. He designed our logo and thoughtfully coined our mission statement: “Creative Empowerment through the Medium of Music”. He was an active member of OMG and could often be found talking to other service users, giving them confidence and words of encouragement.

Martin himself was an extremely talented poet, creative thinker and marketing strategist with a passion of helping others who had endured similar struggles to himself. Thanks to OMG, Martin was able to put some of his poems to music, resulting in this album that pays tribute to him and his power, and that power is now in your hands.

Sadly, Martin passed away in June 2020 after contracting COVID-19.

Martin left a powerful impression on those whose lives he touched, be it for a minute, an hour or a lifetime. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Martin leaves behind a brother, Michael, who kindly supported us with completing this short bio.

Rest in Power Martin.