Concert in memory of local man to raise funds for Winchester Hospice

A concert in memory of a local man will take place next weekend to help raise funds for charity.

Brian Gerrard ran the local corner store and post office in Highcliffe for 36 years, after he took it over from his mother, and was a well know figure in the community. When he was diagnosed with bowel cancer, friends and neighbours rallied round to help move him, and his wife Denise, into a more suitable accommodation.

Lynne Gerrard, Brian’s daughter who has organised the concert, talked about her reasons for supporting Winchester Hospice; “When Dad died ten years ago, Winchester didn’t have a hospice. Getting the support we needed when he was given a short prognosis was difficult but a family friend stepped in to help offer us advice. Maddy Thomson, who I knew worked as a palliative care nurse at the hospital, was wonderful, linking us up with those who could help us get the equipment we needed to make him comfortable.

“Dad was able to die peacefully at home surrounded by his family, just as he’d wanted. Afterwards Maddy asked me if she could use our experience to support the case for a local homecare team to provide care for those choosing to die at home. Subsequently, Winchester Hospice was born and has cared for over 1,500 patients in their building, with many more supported at home by the specialist community palliative care team. I couldn’t be more pleased that we were able to support this and want to do what I can to help ensure its future.”

Lynne has continued to support Winchester Hospice and next Saturday will be bringing the Crescendo choir over from Belgium to perform for local people as a tribute to her father.

The concert will take place at All Saints Church in Highcliffe at 7.30pm on Saturday 3 May. Entry to the concert is free but donations to Winchester Hospice are welcomed.