MORE than £2000 was raised for Weldmar at a concert held in memory of a West Dorset man who died following a battle with cancer.

Paul Wicken died last year aged 36 just days before the event in aid of the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust took place.

Colleagues at Ocean Bathrooms on St Michael’s Trading Estate organised the musical event on May 31 again this year in aid of the charity in Paul’s memory.

Managing director Robert Muhl said he was pleased at the success of the concert, which was also attended by Paul’s family – and that it is set to become an annual fundraiser.

He said: “This year A Song For Paul raised a whopping £2,079 for Weldmar Hospice Trust and money is still coming in.

“On behalf of Paul’s family, we would like to thank everyone who gave up their days to bake cakes, ran raffles, man the lucky dips, sold book after book, ran stalls and helped make the event a huge success.

“We held an excellent concert in the car park and had everyone dancing and tapping their toes.

“A big thank you must also go to Paul’s former colleague Adam Gale, who cycled a whopping 112 miles on a static bike without getting off once. It’s still not too late to donate so if anyone still wants to raise some money please do get in touch.”

Paul worked as a bathroom fitter and was one of several recommended by the company.

The event was attended by several of his former customers, who made donations to the charity where Paul received respite care.