June Harries, along with her supportive family and friends, recently organised a concert and auction at Clarbeston Road Memorial Hall in memory of Phil Harries.

The memorial concert and auction, held on September 24, raised a total of £6,100 for two charities the Paul Sartori Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support each receiving half. Both organisations offered support to June’s husband during his illness and June wanted to give something back.

June’s family were a fundamental support to her during the organisation of the event.

“Three of my grandchildren attended, Ben, Harry and Amy and were a great help on the evening,” commented June, adding: “The event was well supported by the local community and I want to thank everybody for attending and making it a very special occasion.”

Appearing on the evening were Harmoni and West Wales Show Choir, Soloists Pippa Williams, Anthony Morgan and Gwyn Morris who delivered a wonderful concert to the audience. The evening also featured a great family auction, with prizes donated from local individuals and businesses, along with a raffle with ‘a gardener for a half day’ prize! The highlight of the night included members of the Llys Y Fran YFC and Clarbeston Road AFC performing a hilarious ‘Calendar Boys’ sketch.

Sandra Dade, Paul Sartori Foundation charity manager, thanked the family for their crucial support adding: “The amazing amount you have raised will directly help people in Pembrokeshire, and ensure that we can continue to offer the vital care and support to people living in the county with a life limiting illness.”

Sue Reece, fundraising manager for Macmillan, said: “We are very grateful to June and her family for choosing to raise money for Macmillan. Without such kind donations we would not be able to provide support and advice to people affected by cancer in the local community.”

Memorial concerts and events like these are crucial to the Paul Sartori Foundation, with the local community always coming up with new ways of fundraising in memory of someone special. If you have an idea for a local fundraiser, but would like some help and advice, the Foundation urges you to contact Toni Dorkings, the community fundraiser, either via email [email protected] or by phoning 01437 763223.

The services provided by the Paul Sartori Foundation are free of charge, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and enable people who are living in the later stages of any life limiting illness to die at home if that is their wish, with dignity, independence, pain free and surrounded by those they hold most dear. Further information on the charity, please visit www.paulsartori.org, or phone 01437 763223.