Folk getting together to remember club's founder

THE friend of a man who died of a brain tumour at St Columba's Hospice is to stage a fundraising concert for the charity in his memory.

Kenny Delaney, 64, died at the hospice in Granton last month after battling cancer for just over a year.

He was known in the Capital's music world as a founder member of Leith Folk Club, a presenter on Leith FM Music Roots programme and an enthusiastic promoter of jazz, blues and folk gigs.

In all three enterprises he worked with Jim Welsh, who is arranging Sunday's benefit concert in tribute to his friend.

Mr Welsh, 63, said: "It was just a logical thing, because Kenny and I have been doing these things for years together and there are a number of musicians who would like to pay tribute to him. We thought we should do something that we actually know how to do, rather than saying 'Let's climb Mount Everest!'"

The money raised will swell the coffers at the hospice, which is also currently raising money for a massive rebuilding campaign with the Evening News-backed Buy a Brick campaign. The appeal asks people to donate whatever they can in exchange for a "virtual brick", to help completely renovate the hospice facilities.

Some of the money raised at the concert will also go to the department of neuroscience at the Western General, where Mr Delaney was treated.

Mr Delaney, who lived in Inverleith, had retired from a career at Ferranti and worked for the city council's environmental health department.

He and Mr Welsh met in the early 90s when they helped to run the Jazz at the Tron concerts. They also collaborated on Edinburgh Jazz Projects, which arranged gigs at a range of venues, and went on to help found the Leith Folk Club, where Mr Delaney was soundman for five and a half years.

He was diagnosed with the inoperable tumour just over a year ago and underwent chemotherapy, but died at St Columba's. He is survived by wife Jo and sons Paul, John and Ben.

Mr Welsh said: "He went into St Columba's near the end and when I visited him he was very happy with the way they treat people - and he said 'The food here's so much better than in the Western!'"

Jo Delaney, Kenny's widow, said the hospice and its staff had made a huge difference to her husband when he was ill.

She said: "Kenny always wanted to go with dignity, and the hospice allowed that to happen. They were wonderful."

Director of fundraising for St Columba's Hospice, Lesley Christie, said: "We are incredibly grateful that Jim is holding this wonderful event for St Columba's Hospice in memory of his good friend, Kenny."

The gig on Sunday, at the Police Club in York Place, will feature blues musician Mike Whellans and folk musician Nick Keir. Doors open at 7:30pm for an 8:30pm start.

Tickets cost 10 from Mr Welsh on 07717 885 855 or [email protected]

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