Old Fire Station's Sue Crawford gig is music to Eden Valley Hospice’s ears

Sounds for Sue is a musical curtain-raiser for Eden Valley Hospice’s 2022 fundraising drive with four live acts taking centre stage at Carlisle’s Old Fire Station on Saturday January 22.

It will raise vital funds for the city-based hospice in memory of well-known journalist and city councillor Sue Crawford, who sadly died there last June aged 65 after a brave seven-year battle with cancer.

The revised line-up now features four-piece indie/pop rock band mylittlebrother; the superb six-piece upbeat soul outfit DelaGrave; the jangly indie pop group The Postcard Band; and Melanie Baker, an indie/folk artist from the Lake District.

Hosted by entertainment guru Ian Milburn of IM Events and Phil Taylor, Sue’s widower and organiser of the event, tickets cost £15 in advance and £20 on the door.

Phil said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have this array of musical talent agreeing to appear on stage to help raise vital funds for the hospice, especially after all the problems charities like the hospice have had fundraising due to the ongoing Covid situation.

“Sue and I used to love going to live gigs so I thought this would be a fantastic way to help the hospice, who looked after her so well in her final weeks, and to remember her by.

“I can’t thank the four acts – and Ian – enough and also the Old Fire Station’s Will Morgan who has been a great help.

"It should be a memorable night and I hope music lovers will give it their support – it’s pretty rare you get four acts of this high standard on one stage.”

Eleanor Viney, fundraising manager at Eden Valley Hospice, said: "Fundraising in the community plays a significant role in helping the hospice to raise the money it needs to continue providing care, love and support to local people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

"We hope this concert will be a fitting tribute to Sue and help raise vital funds so our staff can carry on caring for others in the future."