Charity brass band concerts will be held in Horbury to raise hospice funds in memory of Ami
Brass band concerts will be held in Horbury to raise money in memory of a young woman who died from a brain tumour aged 19.
Ami Fenton was hospitalised on Christmas Day 2004.
She received support from several organisations during her year-long illness and, following her terminal diagnosis, her boyfriend, Adam Bell, asked which organisation he should fundraise for.
She chose Martin House children’s hospice where she received palliative and end of life care.
Since 2005 brass band carol concerts, which have featured more than 100 different players, have been held each year at Ego @ the Bull’s Head in Horbury.
Adam said: “We started it in memory of Ami. I was 19 at the time and it was about her memory and legacy. She died so young and didn't want people to forget about her.”
Rotating members of the bands have rarely all met each other before playing.
Since 2005 the concerts have raised more than £13,000 for the hospice.
Each year a number of dates are agreed with the venue based on restaurant booking numbers, with Christmas Eve a permanent fixture.
A Facebook event is then set up by Adam, inviting every brass player he knows, from recent starters all the way up to players in some of the best bands in the world.
Players respond, offering their availability for different sessions.
Adam said: “It’s rarely been a struggle to get a group together, such is the enthusiasm and generosity of the people that come to play.
"People are just so happy to give their time in the brass band community and when it's such a busy time of year it's really humbling.”
His dad, Garry, always circulates the pub with a collecting box.
Adam added: “The support from the whole of the community has never been incredible.”
This year the group is performing an extra session at the Flatt Top pub in Thornhill at 7.30pm on Friday, December 12.
They will be at Ego @ the Bull’s Head on Wednesday, December 17, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Friday, December 19, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Sunday, December 21, 12.30pm to 2.30pm and Christmas Eve, 7.30pm to 9.30pm.