A FOLK concert is to be held in Yate in memory of much-loved churchgoer Jon Fredrickson.

The fundraising evening featuring the 26-year-old’s favourite band Folk On is taking place at St Mary’s Church a year and a day since hundreds of his family and friends said goodbye to Jon, who had battled a brain tumour for 10 years, at a packed funeral service.

Jon died on May 18, 2012 at St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol after being diagnosed with a tumour whilst at Brimsham Green School aged 16.

Despite his condition, Jon, a strong believer in God, was said to have battled bravely and lived life to the full.

He had taken up an apprenticeship in business administration with Bristol City Council and won the chief executive’s young employee of the year award and excellence in citizenship award in 2006. He went on to work for the Department of Work and Pensions and the Job Centre in Bath and had attempted to visit the furtherst points north, south, west and east in Great Britain before he became too ill.

Two of his biggest passions were Bristol Rovers FC and music, especially folk.

His mum Jacky, of Argyle Drive in Yate, told the Gazette: "Folk On were a favourite of Jon’s from the Greenbelt Festival and he kept up to date with them through their Facebook page.

"We thought we would be too upset to go but last year we did go to part of the festival and I contacted the band and told them what had happened to Jon. They remembered him from his Facebook comments and they played the title track, Men of Folk, from their album on the main stage. It was very moving."

Mrs Fredrickson said she had wanted to organise an event in her son’s memory and the band seemed a perfect idea.

"They are waiving their fee as long as money raised goes to charity," she said. "The last time his friends came together was for Jon’s funeral and that was a very emotional occasion but this is going to be fun. I want it to be an evening of fun and laughter, remembering Job as the humorous and fun-loving guy he was."

She said organising the event had helped take her mind off the impending first anniversary.

"I am a strong believer in being pro-active, knowing I am going to be upset but saying I am going to do something about it," she said.

The evening, on Saturday, May 25 (7.30pm) at St Mary’s Church is in aid of the Brain Tumour Charity which funds vital research into brain tumours. As well as the band, there will be a bar and a raffle. For tickets call Jacky on 07759 585432 or go to www.wegottickets.com/event/211230