A CHARITY concert at Evesham Arts Centre has raised £1,157.59 for The Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust.
Avonbank Brass Band, Stour Concert Brass all took to the stage for their fifth annual event which originated from a special service in memory of trombonist David Turner.
He was a dedicated brass band musician and a trustee of the trust which helps research the disease, supports staff and helps patients going through treatment and their families.
The trust also provides complementary therapists who see between 500 and 600 patients-a-year and offers complimentary short-term breaks for patients at the Vale Golf and Country Club.
The charity was launched in memory of Tracy Sollis who lost her battle with acute myeloid leukaemia in 1995.
This year’s concert was given an extra dimension when barbershop group ‘Vale Harmony’ willingly offered their services and also performed.
Highlights of the evening included a solo performance by Stour Concert Brass’s principle cornet player Luke Barker. He is just 16 and performs in the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.
The band’s repertoire included ‘Flanders Fields’ with a tribute to those who served in the armed forces.
Standard Bearer Adam Willetts and Philip Speed represented the Royal British Legion on the night.
Avonbank Brass Band produced a real surprise when tenor horn player Carole Smith played a piece of music named and dedicated to Tracy.
Carole is now the proud owner of Tracy’s tenor horn and the music had been especially composed in time for the evening by the band’s Eb bass player Jacob Ashworth.
Tracy’s mum and founder of the charity Sue Sollis said, “It was a very moving moment and a complete surprise when announced. “It really is an outstanding piece of music.”
