Best of brass to celebrate James

Helen Frost with boyfriend Ryan Service

MEMORIES of a much-loved soldier have prompted one woman to stage a charity brass band bonanza this week to celebrate his life.

Former Hulme Grammar School pupil, Cpl James Oakland, of New Moston, was killed in Afghanistan after being sent there two months early to replace a battlefield casualty.

Now the soldier’s cousin, Helen Frost, is calling on locals to get behind the charity Help for Heroes at the concert to be held at Uppermill Civic Hall tomorrow.

Helen said: “He was such a good laugh and a really down to earth and intelligent guy.

“The family are still taking it day by day. His death has brought us all so much closer together.”

Since his death, the family has dedicated time to raising money for the charity, including sending more than 100 goodie boxes to soldiers in Afghanistan’s Helmand province last Christmas.

Helen, who has played the tenor horn since she was nine, has brought together players from Milnrow, Ashton and Grimethorpe to play at the show.

Helen said: “It’s a sign of the times that so many people are taking the Help for Heroes charity to heart.

“James was not so lucky, but there are an awful lot of soldiers coming back injured and they are not in the paper or publicised.

“There is a real need for proper treatment for these guys and the charity really helps with that.”

Tickets costing £10 can be bought by calling 07855-156002, or at Uppermill and Delph post offices, The Granby Arms, and the Albion Farm Shop in Delph.

To donate online go to www.justgiving.com/h4hbrassband.