A two-day music extravaganza is being held in memory of a music lover who died of cancer aged 21.
LeeFest/LeeStock is a tribute to Lee Dunford, of Sudbury, Suffolk, who passed away in 2006 following a battle with Hodgkin’s disease.
Close friend Edd Keogh and his brothers Matt and Peter, all of Sudbury, are organising the event - proceeds from which will go to the Willow Foundation charity, founded by former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper Bob Wilson and his wife Megs, to provide special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds.
“Lee was very quick witted with an awesome sense of humour, but this is just the tip of the iceberg in describing him as a person.
“He was a playful guy with a big heart, mature resolve and compassionate wisdom.
”LeeFest is a great positive thing to come out of such a tragedy as losing Lee.
“It’s such a fitting testament as he loved music and socialising.
“It’s also a fantastic way to give back to the Willow Foundation and help others.
”Lee was, is, and will always be an Inspiration.” – Adam Tozer, Lee’s friend.
Taking place at Glemsford Social Club, Sudbury, on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May, the event will see 12 live acts take to the stage.
Saturday’s LeeFest event will see six acts rock out in a plugged in day of music, whilst Sunday’s LeeStock event is a laidback affair, with six acoustic acts performing.
“LeeFest is about music, people, fun, and definitely about remembering.
Whether you like listening to bands, spending time with your friends, raising money for charity or raising a drink to the legend that is Lee, LeeFest and LeeStock are what you need!” - Peter Keogh
The first event in memory of keen musician Lee was held in 2006. The second, in 2008, saw six acts play to an audience of nearly 300 people at the social club.
“The gig was a rip-roaring success and very well attended, as befitting someone as popular as Lee.
“The beauty is that it brings people, young and old, together.
”After the success of last year we thought, where did we go from here?
“We want to make LeeFest and LeeStock 2009 the best events yet.” - Edd Keogh
Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma aged 17, Lee underwent four and a half years of bone marrow transplants and chemotherapy before his death.
“I remember being physically stunned when Lee told me of his illness.
“I sometimes try to imagine what it must have been like but I don’t think I can even come close.
“Through it all he retained his sense of humour, always greeting with a smile and never wanting to be a hassle.
“In spite of his illness he lived life to the fullest that he could.” - Adam Tozer
Lee’s special day, provided by the Willow Foundation in 2005, was a dream come true – visiting at Slap Studios in Brixton, London, to record a track and staying overnight at the five star Grosvenor hotel with friends, including Andrew Heller - singer in LeeFest headline act Crimson Dixies.
”The two days I was lucky enough to spend with Lee and Andrew were amazing.
“Everything was thoughtfully organised and prepared by the charity.
“We produced a masterpiece of a song, ‘Did you ever?’, with a solid poignancy that hits me every time I listen to it.
”I will cherish the memories of those two days forever, as I’m sure will anyone else who has benefited from the work of the Willow Foundation.” - Adam Tozer
LeeFest/LeeStock takes place at Glemsford Social Club, Hunts Hill, Glemsford, Near Sudbury, Suffolk on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May, from 2pm.
Tickets are £10 each, and allow entry to both days.
A 19 track album featuring all of the acts is available at £5, proceeds to the Willow Foundation.
Email tickets@leefest.org or call 07790 431127 for ticket and CD sales.
For more information visit www.leefest.org
ENDS
Notes: Press and photographers are invited to attend the event.
The Willow Foundation
The Willow Foundation is the only charity of its kind providing special days for 16 to 40 year olds. Special days aim to provide 16 to 40 year olds living with life-threatening conditions a chance to escape the pressures of their daily routine and share quality time with family and/or friends.
To date the charity has organised and funded special days for more than 4,500 young adults living with a wide range of serious conditions including cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis, Huntingdon's, organ failure and multiple sclerosis.
Bob & Megs Wilson founded the Willow Foundation in 1999, in memory of their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer aged 31.
Bob Wilson is the former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper and TV presenter.
For more information please contact:
Richard Jordan, Willow Foundation
Tel: 01707 259777
Email: richard.jordan@willowfoundation.org.uk