Sunderland pensioner on end of life care gets concert in garden

This is the beautiful moment a 93-year-old man on end-of-life care was surprised with a concert in his front garden.

Dick Hockridge’s family made an appeal on social media asking for help to stage a performance for the pensioner, who is a big fan of jazz music.

It was seen by BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Kelly Scott who posted an appeal of her own, and responses came flooding in from performers all over Tyne and Wear.

Pianist Mark Deeks and singer Jennifer Hastings arrived at Dick’s garden in Sunderland just two days later.

They played songs Dick and his wife Agnes would dance to over the years, including their all-time favourite Moon River.

Dick, a former shipyard worker, sat up at the window, singing along while emotional family members and neighbours looked on.

Ms Hastings said: ‘It was such a rainbow of emotions. It was like Dick couldn’t believe it.

‘This is the kind of thing that means more than anything else. I’m getting emotional just thinking about it.’

At the end of the concert, Dick mustered the strength to say a few words.

He said: ‘Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone in the whole wide world. Peace be with you. Thank you.’

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