LAST year’s winner of ITV’s The Voice will perform at an annual fundraising concert in Southend in aid of Havens Hospices.

The 21st annual Christmas concert, organised by Southend-based band Dirty Water, is raising money in memory of Lorraine Kelly – a violin player who passed away in April 2018 aged 47.

Echo:

Talented - Lorraine Kelly

She had been cared for by Havens as she battled cancer.

The concert is now held as an annual memorial to Lorraine and to raise money for the hospice, with The Voice’s Ruti Olajugbagbe set to perform this year.

Lorraine was a well-known and respected music teacher, playing in many ensembles and orchestras in the Southend area.

She had been the leader of the Colombian Symphony Orchestra, was a solo violinist with the Illegal Eagles and also played in The Carpenters’ Story.

Band member, Sean McLoughlin said: “Lorraine did so much for all of us in the band. She was always there for us and we now want to repay that love she showed us all, by supporting the organisation that cared and looked after our Lorraine in her time of need.

“Lorraine was an amazing musician who shared her passion with so many including many, many young people.

“I had the pleasure of working with her in her capacity as a music teacher, fixer and musical director. She loved music, and we want to keep her passion alive.”

Also featured will be Andy Bush, from Absolute Radio, who has agreed to DJ for the evening, and singer-songwriter Sam Fraser.

Havens Hospices, which includes Fair Havens Hospice, Little Havens Hospice and The J’s Hospice, cares for adults, babies, children and young people for as long as it’s needed, within the home, in the community and at the two hospices.

The concert, on Saturday at Chinnerys, in Marine Parade, is also raising money for Gold Geese, a Southend based charity looking after families affected with childhood cancer. Tickets cost £8.30.

Visit seetickets.com/event/dirty-water/chinnerys/1436747 or www.chinnerys.co.uk