Music event honours loved one’s memory

A night of country and folk music in Lakenheath was enjoyed by all as a family effort saw funds raised in memory of their loved one.

The evening of entertainment, which was enjoyed by more than 120 people, was organised by the family of Sheila Empson and raised £1,315 for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Sheila’s daughter Sandra Bennett said: “Mum spent the last few days of her life in the hospice and the care they gave to her and all the family was amazing.

“We feel as a very close family that by doing this event we gave a little bit back and hopefully can make it an annual event to keep her memory alive.”

Sheila had a love of music and dancing, a passion she shared with her husband Peter, who at the age of 80 and after a ten year break rejoined the band he drummed in.

Alongside Peter’s band On the Road again, entertainment for the night was provided by the band Sheila and Peter’s grandson plays in Georgia Shackleton Trio.

The money raised by Sheila’s family and their supporters’ will help the hospice continue to care for people across West Suffolk and Thetford in the final chapters of their lives.

Hospice community fundraiser Miranda McCoy said: “On behalf of everyone at the hospice a heartfelt thank you to all the Empson family and friends for organising such a wonderful event and of course everyone who supported the occasion. It sounded like great fun and clearly a huge success.”

The event took place last month in Lakenheath’s Brendan Fulham Centre, and you can find out more about the hospice at www.stnicholashospicecare.org.uk