A charity concert in memory of one of Carlisle’s most respected journalists will raise money for the Eden Valley Hospice in the new year.
Sue Crawford died at the hospice in the summer at the age of 65 after a long fight with cancer.
The Sounds for Sue concert takes place at the Old Fire Station in January with four local bands playing.
A well-known journalist and political figure in Carlisle and throughout Cumbria, Sue worked for more than 40 years at Cumbrian Newspapers and for a good period of that time was news editor of the News & Star and The Cumberland News.
After taking voluntary redundancy in 2017, she became a freelance journalist and also worked for the Carlisle Labour party and served as a councillor for Currock on the city council.
Born in Dalston, she had been battling cancer on and off for seven years until she succumbed to the disease on June 15.
Sue’s husband Phil Taylor, also a former journalist with Cumbrian Newspapers, approached mylittlebrother, Redfish, Cosmic Cat and The Postcard Band and they all agreed to play at Sounds for Sue on Saturday January 22.
Ian Milburn, owner of IM Events, will be the compere for the event.
Phil said he wanted to do a concert in Sue’s memory because the couple loved going to gigs together.
He said: “We both liked music of all kinds. I’m so thrilled that four great bands from Cumbria have agreed to play on the night, and that larger-than-life character Ian is going to compere it.
“I’m also very grateful to Will Morgan of the Old Fire Station for helping me get the concert off the ground.”
And there was no question in his mind it would be a fundraiser for Eden Valley Hospice.
“All the staff at Eden Valley Hospice looked after Sue with care, compassion and it has to be said a fair dose of good humour too,” said Phil.
“Sue’s mother died in the hospice in 2000 so she was well aware of the fantastic work the hospice does.
“I’ve always admired the team at the hospice and I know Sue would be delighted that a concert in her memory will hopefully raise lots of money for the fabulous work that team does.”
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.”
Tickets for the Sounds For Sue are £15 in advance, £20 on the door. “They will make a great Christmas present!” said Phil.
They are available online at the Old Fire Station’s What’s On page at https://www.ofscarlisle.co.uk/event-soundsforsue.html
