The Rotary Club of Derby Mercia has engaged Derwent Brass to help raise funds for a cause close to their hearts.

The organisation's President Richard Gillmore is no stranger to brass music, having played with Cardiff Canton Salvation Army, studied at the Cardiff College of Music & Drama and later becoming Bandmaster at Morriston Salvation Army and finally Derby Central Salvation Army.

Show of gratitude

A few years ago Richard's wife Sally sadly passed away and was helped greatly over the last difficult period by Macmillan Cancer Support and the Derby Nightingale Macmillan Unit. Richard therefore wanted to show his gratitude by raising funds for the charities.

"I wanted to express the family's utmost gratitude for the amazing care shown to Sally. It only seemed natural to organise a charity concert and to ask Derwent Brass to perform for us."

The event will take place in Derby Cathedral on Saturday May 27th with proceeds being divided between Macmillan Cancer Support and Children First of Derby.

Delighted to support

Derwent Brass, Band Manager Chris Leonard told 4BR: "We are delighted to be part of this event, to support Richard and the Club and of course to help raise funds for the charities.

In recent years the band have supported Macmillan Cancer Support directly, but prior to this we also helped raise over £28,000 for the Friends of the Derby Nightingale Macmillan Unit alongside one of our patron's Roy Poole.

It is therefore very fitting for us to be involved in this poignant event and we wish the Club every success for this fundraiser and all those in the future."

We are delighted to be part of this event, to support Richard and the Club and of course to help raise funds for the charitiesDerwent Brass, Band Manager Chris Leonard

Help

The second charity to benefit from the evening will be Children First of Derby: Established in 1974 it works with children, young people and families to make a positive impact on their lives.