Porthleven Town Band will play a special concert this spring to help raise funds for a three-year old boy suffering from cancer who needs to travel to America for treatment.

The event, on March 16 at 7.30pm, will be held at the Fore Street Chapel in the port and aims to help Riley Williams who was diagnosed with a brain tumour three days before Christmas.

Riley's grandmother, great grandmother, great grandfather and aunt all play in the band, as has his father, plus another aunt and uncle, making the Williams family band stalwarts for many years.

The little boy's operation to remove his tumour went well, but he now needs proton therapy treatment which is only available in the US.

He will need to fly out as soon as he is well enough and will have to stay abroad for up to ten weeks.

Wendy James, from the band, said: “We are raising funds to enable his mum, dad and nine month old brother to stay with him whilst the treatment is taking place.

“This is a major event and it is hoped that the whole community will join together to show their support for the Williams family by attending.

“The chapel can seat about 600 so we would like to see it full to the rafters with Riley's supporters, family and friends.”

The concert promises to be a celebration of the local community joining together with one aim. Band friends Local Vocalz have offered their services free of charge for this collaboration following last October's highly successful concert.

Hayle-based Local Vocalz is a lively mixed voice choir who sing a wide range of music to suit all tastes. The ever popular Paul Combellack will also be acting as compere with a special “auction of promises”.

Porthleven Town Band voted to take the unusual step of withdrawing from the regional contest in Torquay to focus all of their efforts on little Riley.

Musical director Tom Bassett said: “We are a full, ambitious and talented band who relishes the prospect of contesting and we are already eagerly anticipating our next opportunity to contest in the very near future.

“However it is important now that we come together for the Williams family.”

Chairman Lynne Lees added: “We are a close band family with traditional family values so it is only right that we should rally around and help one of our own if necessary.

“Tom and I both extend gratitude to our players, without whom this fundraiser would not be possible.”

Tickets are priced at £4 with no concessions available. Availability will be announced shortly.

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