SPENSTOCK is back and organisers are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for Dorset sufferers of Motor Neurone Disease.

The fourth fundraising concert will be in memory of former Balance of Power drummer Spencer Bates, and will be the first Spenstock since he passed away in August last year after battling Motor Neurone Disease.

He set up the event and the last three events raised more than £30,000 for the charity. Spencer’s family said it was his wish that it should continue.

Spenstock will be on April 20 at the Weymouth Pavilion and will feature bands Speedway Snails, Shooter, Replay and the Tina Turner tribute with Angie Bennett. All the money raised will go to help Dorset sufferers of the disease through the charity Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Spencer’s mum and dad, Mary and Steve, and his wife Nicky have been busily organising the event and they said it would be a fantastic night.

Dad Steve said: “This was his wish from his diagnosis. He wanted to do this and keep doing the concerts.”

Mum Mary said: “We are hoping everyone will come and support.”

She said the main reason for the event was that there is still no cure for Motor Neurone Disease and a lot of people were being diagnosed across the area.

She said: “It’s a terrible disease.”

She added: “People are being diagnosed almost every week and there’s no rhyme or reason to it. It can be young people or old people.”

Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurones causing weakness and wasting of muscles causing loss of mobility in limbs and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.

Spencer’s wife Nicky said: “It will be a good night and we are hoping lots of people will come and support us.”

As well as the music there will be a tombola and raffle.

Prizes so far include a morning at a racing stables for two, skiing sessions and a top of the range Dyson fan.

The family would like to thank their sponsor Bluebird Care who donated £350 towards the event.

They are also looking for other sponsors and prizes.

Tickets are £10 each and are available from Elise services in St Thomas Street, Weymouth and the Wyke Smugglers in Wyke Regis.

Alternatively tickets can be ordered from Nicky on 01305 766781 or Mary on 01305 830076.

The event is for adults only and tickets are not available for under 18s