Concert tribute to much-loved Helen

BRASS band members are holding a tribute concert in memory of a former colleague, who died in October.

Oldham Sixth Form College lecturer Helen Ramsden was a talented flugel player with Ashton Brass Band until she developed the circulatory condition Reynaud’s disease, the first sign of scleroderma, a rare auto-immune condition.

Helen, from Mossley, fought the disease after her diagnosis, three years ago, and continued to teach.

She also battled breast cancer last year. Even though too ill to take part, the dedicated fundraiser also supported staff and students when they ran last year’s Race for Life in Oldham.

Helen, married with two daughters, developed kidney failure this spring and had to spend long periods on dialysis. She suffered complications and died on October 5.

Oldham Sixth Form College principal Jayne Clarke said: “Our students had a fuller experience and will have left us better people as a result of their contact with Helen. Her personality was just wonderful. She was a caring, and supportive colleague and friend to everyone who knew her. The college has been a richer place for having had Helen working here.”

Ashton Band will perform a concert on Friday at Mossley Hollins High School to raise money for the renal unit at Hope Hospital, Salford, and research into Reynaud’s and scleroderma.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/remembering-helen-kidney or www.justgiving.com/remembering-helen-scleroderma. For more information email chair@ashtonband.co.uk. Tickets can also be obtained from Mossley Hollins School.