A Moray music group’s Christmas concert will have added poignancy this year because its founding member is battling cancer.
Glenn Munro, the musical director of Moray Concert Brass, has decided to donate all proceeds from the forthcoming festive event to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.
He has been undergoing treatment for bowel cancer there, since he was diagnosed with the disease in August.
The 49-year-old hopes to be able to purchase new television sets for the hospital’s surgical ward with the proceeds from the concert.
And Mr Munro will defy the illness when he leads the band through a selection of seasonal tunes later this month.
He said: “I have spent quite some time in ward five at the hospital, while undergoing surgery.
“The care I received, and the staff on the ward, were both just fantastic.
“I really want to give something back, and I noticed the ward could do with some new televisions for patients, so it would be great if we could raise enough money to buy some.”
The concert will take place outside Elgin Library in Cooper Park, at 5.30pm on Friday, December 23.
The group is rehearsing classic carols such as Away in a Manager, O Little Town of Bethlehem and We Three Kings for the show.
Lyric sheets will be handed out to attendees, so they can join in.
Mr Munro expressed delight at the fact the event would showcase the skills of the musical troupe’s 50 young performers.
He said: “The young musicians in Moray are a real credit to the area, and this concert is a great opportunity for local people to hear them.
“Our Christmas concerts have been going for 15 years and are a tradition in Elgin, so we just hope as many people as possible will come along to see it.”