FLEECE GIG ROCKS FOR HOSPICE

A gig to help raise funds for Bristol's St Peter's Hospice has been hailed a great success raising £2,265 for the charity.

Part of the 'Party for Pete' initiative, the event was organised by Bedminster resident Sarah Smither who put on the night of live music in memory of her husband James (33) who passed away in March following a fierce battle with bowel cancer.

The gig took place at The Fleece on St Thomas Street and was supported by over 250 people who were entertained by some of the region's hottest bands including Erica, Last Night's Victory, The Longest Johns, The Travis Waltons, The Vergin Sunset, The Cliché Good, Pen Pang and Sons of Sunday.

Sarah said: "The gig was a great success and to raise so much money for the hospice is just fantastic.

"James and I loved live music and visited The Fleece often to catch the latest bands. So it seemed appropriate that we should hold a gig at arguably Bristol's best known live music venue in his memory and to raise funds for the hospice.

"I'd like to say a huge thank you all the bands and DJs, to Chris Sharp at The Fleece, as well as Petra and Johnny from the Hospice Fundraising Office for helping me promote it all.

"It went so well we've decided to make the Gig For Pete's Sake an annual event and we intend to raise even more next year."

Services at St Peter's Hospice are provided free of charge but the NHS contribute just 23% of the £6.5 million needed to run the hospice yearly, meaning support from the public is essential.

Last year the hospice cared for 2,675 patients and supported over 6,000 family members including children.

If you would like to hold a 'Party for Pete', please contact the fundraising office on 0117 9159300 for a registration form, email petra.vesela@stpetershospice.org.uk or register online at www.stpetershospice.org.uk.