A live music event held in memory of a Presteigne man has raised more than £5,500.

‘Music from the Parish’ took place on Wednesday, June 19 at St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne.

The event was organised as a memorial for Andy Leavis of Courtyard Antiques, who died earlier this year.

More than £5,500 was raised in aid of St Michael's Hospice.

Andy's partner, Jules Brisbane explained how the evening came about: “Gratitude is the motivation behind this fundraiser, inspired by the level of kindness and quality of medical care Andy, and many other friends, received from all the staff at St Michael's Hospice, Bartestree.”

Ruth Kirkby, who had been friends with Andy was one of the organisers of the evening.

Ruth said: “We are extremely grateful to all those who attended on such a lovely evening, and to those who helped with the organising of it.”

The event costed £15 to attend with guests enjoying musical performances from local musicians Little Rumba, Jessica Rising and the Presteigne Pop Choir.

Presteigne Pop Choir
Presteigne Pop Choir in action (Copyright: Alex Ramsay)
Jessica Rising
Jessica Rising (Copyright: Alex Ramsay)

The evening also included a spirited performance by Rev. Steve Hollinghurst of classic songs, including some from his favourite singer Matt Monro.

The event was compered by local writer and broadcaster Ian Marchant who also announced the raffle.

Left is Rev. Steve Hollinghurst and right is Ian Marchant and Ruth Kirkby
Left is Rev. Steve Hollinghurst and right is Ian Marchant and Ruth Kirkby (Copyright: Alex Ramsay)

The evening ended with a moving finale by all the performers who came together to the stage to sing the Bill Withers song 'Lean on Me' whose lyrics are the perfect tribute to St Michael's Hospice.

The raffle included very generous donations by local businesses and the community including paintings, ceramics, prints, restaurant vouchers and food and wine.

Little Rumba
Little Rumba (Copyright: Alex Ramsay)

St Michael’s Hospice is an independent charity that exists to help and support patients and their families living with a terminal illness.

Its purpose is to promote the relief of sickness in people over the age of 18 years who are Herefordshire residents or living in the immediate surrounding counties. It does this through the provision of high-quality hospice care both at its main hospice facility and by visiting people at home - provided free-of charge to users.

For more information please visit: www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk