Rocking on in Tom’s memory

Tom Ossel, 28, died in July last year after an armed raid at a hostel where he and his brother Jack were enjoying a holiday.

On Saturday, August 11 six local acts will take to the stage to honour their friend and raise cash for the charity Veninos, Venezuelan Children In Need.

Co-organiser Alex Small, who plays in the band Horseman Shakes and the Draymen and will perform at the gig, said: “Naturally losing Tom came as enormous shock to me and everybody that knew him. I can honestly say that not a day passes when I don’t think of him and find myself crying, laughing or crying with laughter.

“Further to the success of last year’s charity gig, me and the boys decided to give it another whirl in memory of our dear friend.”

Tom, who had been a firefighter in the London Fire Brigade for three years, attended Alban Middle School in Great Barford and Sandy Upper School – having grown up in Northill Road, Cople.

It was as they were preparing to return from the three-week trip across the world that the fatal robbery happened in the state of Nueva Esparta.

The all-day tribute fundraiser gig will be a family-friendly event taking place at the Bell Pub, Sandy from 3pm this Saturday.

Alex added: “If there was ever any good to come from this, I believe that we can only but endeavour to help those in the midst of this horrific reality.”

“On top of all this it’s another great excuse to get together in Tom’s name, have a beer, share stories and memories, listen to some great bands and raise some money.”

Tickets for the concert, which includes a barbecue, cost £5 in advance or £8 on the day. Kids get in free.