A FUNDRAISING event is being held in memory of a popular Weymouth businessman.

John Leach died at the Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester in May.

But his terminal illness did not keep him from enjoying the country and folk music he loved and in December last year he travelled with wife Margaret and friends to Bodellwyddan Castle in North Wales to a concert by Donegal singer Anne Biddie.

Margaret said: “Anne was brilliant and she came and talked to John most evenings when she found out he was ill. She kept in touch after and even rang him when in the hospice in January this year, which cheered him up considerably.”

After John died in the hospice in May, Anne promised to come over from Ireland and perform free of charge in aid of the hospice.

The concert takes place on Saturday, September 6.

John was also a big fan of the Grahams, who he knew personally, and they will also be performing at the charity event at the Corn Exchange. London-based husband and wife duo Autorotation will also perform.

John was well known in Weymouth as the proprietor of Weymouth Mower Centre at Goulds Garden Centre for more than 10 years. Prior to that, he sold Land Rovers, Rover Cars and tractors.

Mrs Leach said: “So many people knew him - you were lucky to escape his sales pitch. Several people have spoken to me about how John helped them, such as a previous customer who said John helped him when he was just starting up in business as a gardener, by keeping his old machinery going rather than having to buy new machinery.”

Tickets are £15 each including a ploughmans supper and are available by calling the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust fundraising department on 01305 261800.

There will also be a raffle and a silent auction.

Mrs Leach said: “The whole care package John and I experienced from the hospice far surpassed our expectations. We hope this event will be supported as a chance to give something back to the wonderful caring staff of Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.”