Concert tribute to York couple (From York Press)

Concert tribute to Ian Hardy and Tracey Daniels

10:33am Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Richard Catton, richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

THE friends of a York couple who died within months of each other are to host a fundraising concert in their memory this weekend.

Tracey Daniels, 49, from, Wheldrake died in July last year only eight months after being diagnosed with cancer. Her partner of 19 years, Ian Hardy, 61, died in October, after he suffered a brain bleed following a fall.

Ruth Bulmer, organiser of Sunday’s sixties-inspired concert, said: “I’m sure Tracey and Ian would approve of this do on their behalf. They used to organise many outings and parties for their friends.

“It would have been Tracey’s 50th birthday on Saturday so that’s why we thought of doing this tribute to them around this time.”

Proceeds from the event will go to St Leonard’s Hospice in York, where Tracey spent the last months of her life.

Her friend and fellow Wheldrake resident, Jenny Exton, 61, said: “We were very impressed with the care she got there. We couldn’t have asked for more and that’s why we want to put something into the hospice, because they rely on fundraising.

“Tracey was a very social soul. She loved going into the Wenlock Arms and she loved organising things for the rest of us.

“Ian lived in the village all his life. He was well known for his love of football and he took part in anything going on in the village.”

The night of entertainment on Sunday will have a Merseybeat and sixties theme and will feature the hits of groups such as The Beatles, Gerry And The Pacemakers, The Kinks and the Rolling Stones, performed by York band Flashback.

Tickets for the concert, which is taking place at The Duchess, in Stonebow, York, are available at the venue and at The Wenlock Arms in Wheldrake, at £10 each. They will also be available on the door, which opens at 7.30pm. All those attending must be 14 or over.