A MUSICIAN'S dying wish to hold a concert in aid of the charity that treated him "like a king" is being fulfilled by his old band.
Keyboard player John Hall, a much-loved member of the Capitol Jazz Band, passed away in St Andrew's Hospice earlier this year.
Before he died, he asked dear friend Fred Wood – who visited him every day during the five final weeks of his life – if the band would hold a concert to raise money for the hospice.
His friends have now organised a posthumous tribute to John at the Beachcomber this month, and all St Andrew's staff and volunteers are invited to come along for free.
The organisers will also donate all of the proceeds from the concert to the hospice.
Mr Wood said: "John was really grateful for all the care he got there and the day before he died, he made me promise that we would hold a concert for them.
"He said to me 'they have treated me like a king – make sure you look after them as well as they looked after me'."
St Andrew's is a charity that has touched the lives of many people in the Capitol band.
Vocalist Bernard Kendall said: "So many of us have relatives and friends whose final moments were made much more comfortable by the hospice.
"That is why so many of us wanted to get involved in the concert – to give something back."
The MEDC Orchestra and the Capitol Jazz Band will be providing the music with vocalists Kim Gee, Bernard Kendall and Danielle Jade.
As well as the music, illusionist Dave Burns will boggle your mind with his magic and you can feast your eyes on the incredible moves of dance act The Inspirations.
Mr Kendall added: "It's going to be a massive show and there really is something to suit all tastes from jazz to pop tracks."
Lynn Lemon, a fundraiser for the hospice, said: "I've sat in on some of the rehearsals and they really are very good – I'm looking forward to the show.
"We really appreciate what they and so many other people are doing to support the hospice. In these tough times, it is harder and harder to raise funds and there is an ever increasing number of people who need care.
"We are grateful for every penny that people can raise."
The event takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday at Starlight Hall, the Beachcomber, in Humberston. Tickets cost £7 but entrance is free for St Andrew's staff.
For more information, or to buy a ticket, call the Beachcomber on 01472 812666 or the hospice on 01472 359525.
