Dad is rocking on in mum’s memory

2:08pm Friday 25th April 2008

WIDOWER Dave Chivers has organised a special concert in memory of his wife Carol who died from breast cancer in 2006.

The father-of-two is hoping to raise money for Dorothy House carers who looked after Mrs Chivers before she died by organising and appearing in a rock concert in Kington Langley.

Mr Chivers, 42, of Dauntsey Road, Great Somerford, will be performing with local rock band The Fruitbats.

He said: "This is something that Carol would have loved as we used to go to loads of concerts before we had children.

"We have all coped as well as we can but these two years have been like an unfortunate journey that we have had to take.

"I think my sons are supportive of the concert, but they are just unsure about their dad getting up on stage and making a fool of himself.

"Despite knowing the end is coming and no matter how much you try and prepare yourself you can't ever be fully prepared for it, but Dorothy House did everything that was humanly possible.

"Cancer is a very cruel disease that has no respect for age but I am incredibly grateful to Dorothy House for all they did.

"I am hoping the concert raises both money and awareness of the wonderful job that these carers do."

Since Mrs Chivers' death her husband has set up a Dorothy House Tulip Fund in her name and, to date, has raised £2,394 for the charity.

The couple's children Jack, 14, and Patrick, 12, both support the fundraising in their mother's name.

Mr Chivers said: "We all help each other through it and Jack thinks the concert is a great idea.

"Although Patrick is autistic he has been coping remarkably well."

Family friend and co-organiser of the event Helen Mayhew said: "It will be a lovely event because it is being put together by people who love Carol. Everyone involved either knew Carol or their children went to school with Carol's.

"Dorothy House does such an amazing job and we are determined to raise as much money as we possibly can.'' The concert will be held in Kington Langley village hall on May 2 from 8pm. Tickets cost £6 and are available by calling (01249) 720414 or (01249) 720 823.

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