Swansong for Ken at last concert

Ken described the event as his "swansong" since he is battling an aggessive stomach cancer diagnosed less then two months ago and which has already caused him to lose three stones in weight.

The 87-year-old is frail and in a wheelchair but nothing was going to stop him being at the performance by the RAFA President's Band in St Augstine's church, accompanied by his family.

The event, also attended by MP Greg Barker and his children, was a rousing celebration of this country at its best, marking the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and included triumphant anthems such as Dambusters and The Great Escape as well as 40's dance band favourites, and classical pieces.

It was also perhaps a tribute to the infatigable spirit and commitment of Ken who has fundraised and campaigned for the RAFA branch and its annual Wings Appeal for decades.

He organised his first concert in Bexhill in 1948.

Ken was wheeled up to the front of the church to make a speech on Saturday night and he also received a surprise gift from the youngsters of 2202 Bexhill Air Training Corps.

Ken said: "It was a lovely concert.

"It was a very big night for me, and there was this beautiful present from the ATC which I was very proud to get.

"There was a very good response on Saturday night - people were excellent. We know we had 217 from the raffle on the night, and even more suprising was we held a door collection as people went out and took that took another 46."

Total takings for the evening were just over 2,000 and Ken reckoned the branch made approximately 645 profit.

Wife Elsie described it as a "wonderful evening" and said that Ken was "thrilled to bits" with how it went.

Their son John lives in America but is over to help with Ken's care.

John said: "My father actually made it up there and spoke really well which was amazing. It was very emotional. He handled it excellently - better that I would.

"He just sat there stoically.

"When he gave his speech, it brought a tear to my eye and I had to stare at the ceiling. There were people crying on my shoulder that I had never met before - and that brought even more tears."

He said of Ken: "He's a man who would never let anyone down, and honest to a fault.

"That's pretty much it - an honourable man, he is what he is."