A DEDICATED Kidderminster charity worker and former footballer was given an emotional farewell during a special memorial show in his honour.

A 50s and 60s Music and Variety Show was held at Gainsborough House Hotel as a tribute to Ken Wakefield, who was affectionately known as ‘Mr Music Man’.

Mr Wakefield sadly died suddenly in January this year at the age of 69, just months after he had started to arrange this variety show with his wife Sandy.

Mrs Wakefield decided to turn the event into a memorial and tribute to her husband instead.

Artists who performed on the night, held on November 25, included Elvis tribute ‘Memphis Mike, Motown singers ‘Baby Love’, Bristol comedian ‘Buster’, DJ John Greenway with singer Maxwell Plumm – who also compered the evening.

Tickets sold out within a month of going on sale and a raffle helped raise £250 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

A huge picture of Mr Wakefield was unveiled on stage as his wife made her opening show speech which prompted a standing ovation.

Mrs Wakefield said: “It was a wonderful night and a fitting final farewell tribute to Ken.

“The evening was a sell out and everyone enjoyed themselves tremendously. It was the first time we have done a show at the Gainsborough House Hotel and it is a wonderful venue.

“I would like to thank all the artists who appeared on the show for making it such a tremendous success, and a special thank you to Butch Humber – aka Maxwell Plumm - for his help and support.

“Also to everyone who bought tickets and to all those who donated raffle prizes and the staff and management at the Gainsborough Hotel for all their help, advice and assistance.

“I’m also hugely grateful to my family and friends for their never ending encouragement and support during the past few months, without which the show would never have taken place."

Mr Wakefield was a promising young footballer who played for a host of local clubs and had trials at West Bromwich Albion and Coventry before a serious car accident cut short his career at the age of 21.

He later operated his own successful driving school for a number of years as well as working as a coach driver instructor in Birmingham.

Mr Wakefield also set up a private chauffeur business, which he continued to run until his death, and worked voluntarily as Franche's Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator.

But he was best known for his charity work and, alongside Mrs Wakefield, he produced variety shows which helped raise thousands of pounds for their favourite cause, Alzheimer’s Disease Research UK.