Tenth memorial concert for musician Simon

Since then his friends and family have held a concert in his memory to raise funds for charity,

This year’s concert, which will mark the tenth anniversary of Simon’s death, will be held on Saturday, August 24, at 8pm in First Presbyterian Church. The concert will feature the musical talents of Garvey Silver Band, who were honoured to have Simon as a member.

Also appearing on the night will be soloist Diane Pethorick and Clarinetist Gillian McCutcheon,

Since the memorial concerts first began they have raised thousands of pounds for charity and organiser Tom Whyte hopes this year will add even more to the fundraising pot.

In previous years the money raised has been donated to the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). However, this year the concert will raise money for the building fund at First Lisburn Presbyterian Church - Project 325.

Simon was born on December 21, 1981, and was only son to Iain and Margaret Dickey.

He excelled at his primary and high school education and went to Queen’s University, Belfast to study music.

He was a keen cornet and trumpet player and had entered various competitions playing solo trumpet.

He had been a very keen member of The City Of Belfast Youth Concert Band and later the QUB Orchestra.

He had become the principal cornet player for Garvey Silver Band during the tenure of Iain, his father as conductor of the band.

Ten years ago on August 18 Simon and his friend were involved in a car accident at Rosetta in Belfast when the car they were in hit a tree.

Simon lived for three days and life support was switched off on August 21, only after the Organ Donation Team came from London to assess how best Simon could help others.

In the end Simon gave life to four other people. He was 21 years of age.

What no-one knew was that Simon had been donating money on a regular basis to the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

Garvey Silver Band in recognition of his generosity decided to perform a memorial concert to raise funds for the RNIB and other charities and this was held on the eve of what would have been Simon’s 22nd Birthday in the Civic Centre, Lagan Valley Island.

The concert was a great success as Simon had influenced all the performers in some way or other.