A MEMORIAL concert will unite the passions of a Vale musician who died suddenly earlier this year.

David Turner, an accomplished trombonist, was just 56 when he passed away in March.

He was known for his love of music and even on the day of his death he had been helping Bretforton Band out at Evesham Bandstand.

But Mr Turner, who grew up in Badsey, was also a great fundraiser and former trustee of The Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust.

A memorial concert being held on Friday, October 10, at St Peter's Church in Bengeworth will pay tribute to both his great loves with performances from Avonbank Brass Band and Stour Concert Brass with any money being raised going towards the trust.

Sue Sollis, Tracy's mum and founder of the trust, said: "It's brilliant because Tracy and myself were both brass players and that's how we first came to meet Dave."

The three met in 1993 when both Mr Turner and Tracy played in Group 4 Winchcombe Concert Brass.

Tracy was later diagnosed with leukaemia and lost her life to the disease.

Mr Turner was deeply moved by Tracy’s brave battle and later became a trustee, running in the London Marathon for the charity in 2003.

He ran and raised thousands of pounds by completing the course in under four hours. He also organised a very successful concert raising additional funds.

"Obviously it was a big shock when Dave died," added Mrs Sollis. "We shared some happy banding days in the past. It's a very close community. He would've been pleased the money was going to the trust.

"He saw Tracy with her battle and it was the time we were trying to find a donor. He took part in a concert to raise money and help find a donor not only for Tracy but for other leukaemia patients.

"We are hoping to fill the church. The concert will be free and we hope for donations."

The event will start at 7.30pm and culminate with a massed band finale.

For more information or to find out about the Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust visit tracysollistrust.org.