A FUNDRAISER is being held to help people with pancreatic cancer following the death of a much-loved Thornbury musician.

Andy Dodd lost his battle with the disease in May last year. The 57-year-old left behind a wife and three children.

He was a drummer in the band Ride the Edge, who have helped organise the fundraising event along with Andy’s widow, Gaye.

Money is being raised for Pancreatic Cancer UK, a charity Gaye describes as ‘ very underfunded’.

“I promised Andy we’d try and get a better future for people with this disease.

“He’s be very proud of them for doing it. This charity desperately needs your help to fund further research into this life limiting disease.”

Andy was previously fit and healthy but was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a month after he started experiencing back pain, He passed away within a year of the diagnosis.

“An early diagnosis is what’s needed. By the time it is diagnosed it is often too late.

“People need to be aware of the signs and symptoms.”

The fundraiser will take place at the Castle School from 7pm on Saturday, November 9.

Ride the Edge, Ukulele Jam Thornbury and blues band Mean Ol’ Spiderwill be playing.

Wendy Macey, member of Ride the Edge said: “Andy was involved with all the acts performing and if you follow live music in Thornbury then you probably heard him play.”

Tickets cost £15 and are available from Horders in Thornbury high street, at facebook.com/ridetheedge or by calling 07840 722916.

A buffet is included and there will also be a raffle.