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Brand New Heavies to play gig in memory of fan's mum

Steve Heald from Ferndown is a die-hard fan of The Brand New Heavies.

When he saw them at the Barbican in London, he found his way backstage to ask the band if they would play in Bournemouth in memory of his late mum, Thelma.

His bravery was rewarded when they agreed to play with their eight-piece band at the Bournemouth Pavilion in August, with money raised going to the UK Dementia Research Institute.

Debbie Brown works for AE Jolliffe & Son funeral directors in Ferndown. She met Steve when organising Thelma's funeral in 2022. She's been helping him organise the event, as he does not use email or a mobile phone.

Steve and Debbie have been chatting to BBC Radio Solent's Steve Harris, along with one of The Brand New Heavies' founding members Simon Bartholomew.

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30 April 2024