Young Musicians Classical Concert in Memory

Twins Laura and Oliver Fairlie, 18, from Bournemouth, are hosting a special Young Musicians Classical Concert in aid of children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent. The event celebrates the memory of Laura’s school friend Blue May Muller, who was supported by the charity before she lost her battle with leukaemia in 2005.

Blue was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in September 2003 and died in March 2005, aged 12-years-old. School friend Laura wanted to do something to celebrate Blue’s life and raise awareness of the support CLIC Sargent provides for children and young people with cancer, and their families.

The concert will feature performances from Laura and Oliver and friends, and teaching staff from the prestigious Clayesmore School in Iwerne Minster.

The eclectic programme for the musical extravaganza at St. Marks Church, Talbot Woods, Bournemouth on Friday 3 September at 7pm includes traditional hymns, classic pieces from Mozart, and special renditions of Eva Cassidy’s ‘Songbird’ and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Love Never Dies’.

Laura has recently been selected to perform in front of Katherine Jenkins and Russell Watson at this year’s Serenata Festival in Dorset. She says, “This concert is a great way to get everyone together to celebrate the memory of Blue, and raise money for the charity that provided vital support during her treatment. We’re all really excited and can’t wait to perform!”

The concert is part of CLIC Sargent’s Practice-a-thon campaign to get the best out of young performers and in turn helping the charity give the best support possible to children with cancer.

“After Blue was diagnosed we spent 90% of our time in CLIC Sargent Home from Homes,” says Alannah Moore, Blue’s Mum. “We stayed at CLIC Haven in Southampton and then we moved to Sam’s House in Bristol in 2004.”

“Being able to stay close to Blue by using the charity’s free accommodation meant the family could stay together through a very difficult time, and her friends could visit too. The support we received from CLIC Sargent really was exceptional. I’m delighted that Laura and Oliver have chosen to dedicate this concert to Blue and raise money for CLIC Sargent. We know just how vital their support is for families of a child with cancer,” adds Alannah.

Emily Jenkins, CLIC Sargent Event Fundraising Manager, says, “Every penny raised from events like these go towards helping children and young people with cancer, and their families and help to fund services like our Homes from Home. Thanks to Laura and Oliver for all their hard work and good luck for the event!”

The event will be ticketed with profits from sales going to CLIC Sargent – to purchase tickets please email racheal@thephoenix-consultancy.co.uk

To find out more about the concert or to donate visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/lauraandfriendsinconcert.

You can also find out more about Practice-a-thon online.