ALMOST £13,000 has been raised for two Purbeck charities thanks to a fundraising concert in memory of a young Swanage man who died of cancer – with his parents thanking attendees for strongly supporting “such a wonderful and happy family friendly community day”.

Music by the Sea took place in the natural grassed amphitheatre of the Prince Albert Gardens with an impressive lit stage built between the stone pillars – overlooking the town of Swanage, its beach and the bay – on August 31.

In its fourth year, the annual fundraising memorial concert was organised by Swanage couple Vicki and Jonathan Searle whose 25-year old son Henry died of a brain tumour in April, 2021, after a seven-year battle against the illness.

Proceeds from this year’s Music by the Sea are being donated to two Isle of Purbeck charities – the Cancare cancer support group and the Swanage Railway Trust’s Save Your Railway appeal.

Organised and sponsored with the generous help of businesses and individuals in Swanage and around the country, Music by the Sea featured music from across the decades thanks to more than 20 local bands and singers, who performed free of charge, in a nine and a half hour concert hosted by Brian Travers from Swanage.

Vicki Searle said: “It was clear to see that Music by the Sea was a community family event and the love for Henry Searle really shone through.

“It was wonderful and moving.

“Against a background of determined fund raising, generous donations and kind sponsorship from individuals and businesses – and keeping costs to a minimum – this year’s Music by the Sea memorial concert attracted large crowds of people who came and went throughout the day.

Vicki and Jonathan Searle in Prince Albert Gardens, Swanage Picture: Andrew PM Wright

“I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to plan, support and stage the event, the wonderful singers and musicians who gave their talents for free and the lovely people who came to the memorial concert and so strongly supported such a wonderful and happy family friendly community day.”

“Music by the Sea is a wonderful way of keeping Henry’s memory alive – and remembering other young people in Swanage who have died – while also raising money for local charities and good causes through the joy of music and song,” added Ms Searle who works in the finance office of the Swanage Railway.

Ms Searle’s husband Jonathan Searle said: “Raising a total of almost £13,000 for two Isle of Purbeck charities thanks to a one-day event is an amazing achievement and I am so pleased and proud that Swanage came together to support Music by the Sea and the Cancare and the Swanage Railway Trust charities.

“Music by the Sea is a huge annual event and without the hard work and dedication of many enthusiastic and generous people from the community in Swanage it would not be possible to stage.

“Large crowds of people and large family groups steadily arrived with picnics and drinks. The family day was combined with celebratory events for 18^th, 30^th, 60^th and 100^th birthdays and the attendance of a honeymoon couple newly arrived from Denmark.”

“The crowds were of all ages, all enjoying music and song from across the decades,” added Mr Searle, a former chiropodist who works as a builder in the Isle of Purbeck.

Picture: Lorna Lock

Swanage Railway Trust chair Frank Roberts said: “I remember meeting Henry Searle for the first time a few months after his cancer diagnosis and I still hold on to that lovely memory.

“I have been keen to help the annual Music by the Sea memorial concert in Swanage which has been supported by so many fine people and organisations and is a great community event – this year supporting two important Isle of Purbeck charity initiatives.”

The Swanage Railway welcomes new volunteers and anyone interested in finding out more should contact the Swanage Railway volunteer recruitment and retention officer Lisa Gravett on 01929 475212 or email iwanttovolunteer@swanagerailway.co.uk.

Details about volunteering can be found at swanagerailwaytrust.org/volunteering.