Claudio aims to raise funds to feed the hungry in his homeland of Brazil

Despite living in Dewsbury for almost 25 years, Claudio Kron has always felt a deep connection with his homeland of Brazil, one of the countries that has been worst-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Father-of-five Claudio, who turns 50 in June, has opened a JustGiving page and wants to raise £2,000 to feed at least 40 of the most needy families for a month.

Claudio, who lives in Thornhill Lees, will send money to aid agencies already working with people in the Bahia region where he comes from.

The money would buy hampers containing basic foodstuffs including rice, beans, flour, salt, sugar and biscuits.

Claudio said: “I know the reality of the situation of my people in Brazil.

“Living in England I cannot look at the news about Brazil and not do something to help.

“In the poorest communities if people don’t die of Covid they will die hungry.

“Four thousand people are dying every day and many people think they will be saved by God rather than science.

“I want to use my voice to try and help people.”

Claudio met his English-born wife Lucy, an artist, in Brazil in 1991.

They married in 1996 and came to live in Dewsbury.

Since then Claudio has earned a living as a drummer, percussionist and composer, performing concerts and also running team-building sessions and the like for corporate clients.

He has only had one show in the last 12 months and his corporate work has dried up.

Claudio hopes to use his music contacts to find some celebrity support for his campaign and he wants people to help spread the word.

He has been humbled by donations as big as £100 but he said: “I hope that doesn’t put people off giving even a small amount - £1 or £2 or whatever they can afford.”

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/claudio-krondobrazil.