Musical tribute to Hassocks school teacher
Loraine Rigglesford who died of metastatic breast cancer last November aged just 59 years old, taught most recently at Farney Close School in Bolney, but also worked previously at Downlands School in Hassocks.
The concert, held in early May, was organised by Loraine’s husband Paul and their daughter Louise.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIt featured local band ‘No Mustang’ who include guitarist Chris Bruton, a former pupil of Loraine’s at Downlands in the 1980s.
As well as selling tickets for the event, Paul and Louise started up an online donation page with an initial target of £300.
They said that if this target was achieved they would perform a song with the band. In fact, the fund has so far contributed more than £1,300 to the total.
As a result, Louise and Paul joined the band to perform Queen and David Bowie’s ‘Under Pressure’ and ‘Hotel California’ by The Eagles to an audience in excess of 150 people.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdLouise also performed a solo version of Carole King’s ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?’ accompanied by Paul on guitar.
Paul said: ‘During the latter stages of her illness, St Catherine’s cared and supported Loraine at home, in the house we’d lived in for over 30 years.
“For us, the hospice became the hub for everything.
“Having one number I could call that would help me sort out a myriad of problems made so much difference and the wider help we received from St Catherine’s greatly simplified things.
During Loraine’s last few days, St Catherine’s arranged for her to have a hospital bed and nurses and carers came in to administer medication; they were brilliant in their support of both Loraine and me as her primary carer.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Even after Loraine passed, St Catherine’s staff were still there for me and Louise.
“They comforted us as best they could and continued to support us through sessions of bereavement counselling.
“We were so grateful; we felt we wanted to do something to show our appreciation.
“We are really pleased at the fantastic total that has been raised and would like to thank everyone who has supported us by attending, and by donating both cash and raffle prizes.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdParticular thanks must go to The Eight Bells pub, ‘No Mustang’ and DJ Rik Taub who also provided musical support on the night.’
If people want to support this fundraising effort further, donations can still be made online at:https://www.justgiving.com/lorainerigglesford