The Place Theatre is hosting an evening of big band music on Wednesday (16 November) to commemorate the life of Bedford-born Alex Lees and raise awareness of the rare brain disease that took his life.
Alex’s widow, Marylyn Dodwell-Lees and Phil Hammond have organised the concert featuring St Neots Big Band and all proceeds will go to the charity PSPA.
Alex sadly passed away from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) in August 2021, after living with the condition for nine years.
The concert, which begins at 7.30pm, will feature live music from the St Neots Big Band who are performing free of charge in honour of Alex who was a big fan.
PSP is a neurological condition caused by the loss of brain cells in certain parts of the brain. Over time, this leads to difficulties with speech, balance, swallowing, vision and mobility.
Currently there is no treatment or cure.
Marylyn said: “Alex was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012 after he became unsteady whilst walking and developed a slight tremor.
“This diagnosis was changed to PSP in October 2019, as his symptoms progressed, and he was again referred to a neurologist for investigations. Sadly, Alex then died in 2021, nine years after he began to be unwell.
“During our experience of PSP, it was clear little is known about it. Whilst I was caring for Alex, in the last years of his life, I didn’t have much time to learn more about the condition, and felt I could have done more for him, had I known sooner.
“That’s why I am keen to raise what funds I can for PSPA, to support research so we can learn more about this horrible
disease.”
The fabulous event is the perfect celebration of Alex’s life and an opportunity to fundraise for the charity. We hope p
Tickets for the Charity St Neots Big Band concert are £12 each and proceeds will be donated to PSPA, the only UK charity dedicated to creating a better future for everyone affected by PSP and CBD.
Tickets can be purchased here.
