Kenfest – in memory of Ken Bray
On Saturday 11th September over 500 people attended a charity music event held in memory of Ken Bray and in aid of Woking & Sam Beare Hospice and Wellbeing Care.
Ken’s wife Lucie had the idea for Kenfest as a celebration of Ken’s life that would bring together family, friends and colleagues, whilst raising funds for the hospice in appreciation of the care he received when he was in Woking Hospice at the end of last year, before he passed away on the 28th December.
Lucie and her friend Karen Theunissen with the help of family and friends organised the fantastic event that was held at Chobham Cricket Club. Ken’s business Bray Wealth Management is on Chobham High Street where Ken was a well‐known and well‐respected member of the village community.
Kenfest sold out weeks before the event itself and did not disappoint those who attended. There was music and dancing which included Ken’s children Freddie and Phoebe singing in a choir and performing in a band which was especially formed for the event with their friends, many of whom are pupils from St Andrew’s school in Horsell. Phoebe also performed with the Susan Robinson School of Ballet from Byfleet, having been a pupil there since the age of 3. The headliners of the evening were the fantastic Liverpool Echoes led by Yanni Tsamplakos. Ken and Yanni were friends for over 50 years meeting originally on the Liverpool music scene in the 60s both having performed at the legendary Cavern Club.
There was a real festival vibe to the day with a bar and food stalls selling crepes, curries and cupcakes and an auction with some fabulous and unique lots on offer.
Lucie and her friend Karen visited the hospice to present a cheque for an incredible £40,732.30, these funds were not only from Kenfest itself but donations from Ken’s funeral and over £4,000 from family friend Gilly Binks who ran the Windsor Marathon in his memory.
“I can never thank Woking Hospice enough for being there when Ken & I really needed them and no one else could help. I know Ken would be absolutely thrilled with the amount we raised in his memory and I have absolutely no doubt he’s looking down on us now pleased and proud” said Lucie.
“We are incredibly grateful to Lucie, Freddie, Phoebe, Karen and all those who helped organise Kenfest, what a wonderful way for those who knew him to remember him and celebrate his life”. Commented Phil Wormley Director of Fundraising Woking & Sam Beare Hospice “The funds raised in Ken’s memory will help to ensure we can continue to provide specialist care to those in our community when they need us the most”.
