Battle of the bands in memory of Rochester musician Marcus Rutherford
A battle of the bands competition
is being held in memory of a talented musician, raising money for
the charity he set up before he died.
Marcus Rutherford passed
away in 2012 after a four-year-battle with leukaemia.
The 22-year-old left a legacy to
help others facing the same fight for life. In his final weeks the
Rochester resident set up the Marcus Rutherford Foundation, with
some of his own money, to support young adults unable to get help
from other charities.
He then asked his dad to carry on
the charity’s work with the help of family and friends.
This Sunday marks exactly one year
since the former UCA student’s death, during which a number of
young patients have been helped thanks to his work.
His dad Mike said: “Young adults
fall into this void where no on is really paying attention to their
problems.
"Marcus has a property, he was
studying for a degree and he had a girlfriend he probably would
have married. These are all issues that affect people of that sort
of age, but there is no one to help them, so Marcus started the
foundation.”
Since then people have been given
cash gifts, access to phones, internet, televisions and help to
travel abroad for treatment.
The charity now wants to help fund
research into the reasons why young, otherwise healthy adults like
Marcus become victims to the disease.
Marcus was diagnosed in October
2007 after he collapsed on stage while playing a gig with his first
rock band, MexicoFALLZ, but doctors don’t know why he contracted
the disease.
Mike said: “When we asked how
someone like Marcus got leukaemia, doctors just said he was a
victim of bad luck. We don’t accept that and we think there is a
reason for it. We’re looking into non-medical research about
lifestyles and what causes it.”
The foundation is hoping to begin
funding the research by holding a battle of the bands competition
this Sunday, in memory of the music lover.
The year-long competition at the
Eagle Tavern, Rochester High Street, comes with a prize of £500 and
a studio session.
The first round takes place from
7pm on Sunday.
Entry for bands and spectators is
free. To sign up to the competition
visitrochesterbattleofthebands.co.uk
The foundation is looking for
businesses to sponsor its music evenings, which are due to take
place throughout the year. To support the event or find out more
about the charity visit marcusrutherfordfoundation.com
19/02/13
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