ONE of the key participants in the local music scene is to hold an all-day fundraiser to thank the medical staff at Basingstoke Hospital who have helped him recover from heart failure.

Simon 'Dirty Bear' Roberts, who is a core member of the team at Basingstoke’s Rockbitch Promotions, has organised a day of live music in London Street’s Sanctuary on Saturday, October 10 from 2.30pm.

Simon, who is 38 years-old, said: “The last few years haven’t been the best for me thanks to rubbish blood, multiple blood clots, major open heart surgery, scraping of clots from arteries and other inconvenient problems.

“In particular the last 18 months have been the hardest. Last March, a clot lodged itself in my coronary artery which led to heart failure.

“It’s been tough but I've had an extraordinary amount of support from my wonderful friends and the amazing people in the NHS, in particular the Cardiology Unit and specialist Heart Failure Clinic, the Cardiac Rehab centre and the Haemophilia, Haemostasis and Thrombosis Centre, all at Basingstoke Hospital.”

Simon has secured a superb line-up of performers including musicians, comedians, spoken word performers and a magician.

Bands confirmed so far are 9Hundred, TwoThirtyTwo, Biolith, Lux, A Werewolf!, Honour the Tides, The Nickle9 and Conflict North.

Also performing are comedian Matt Rich, David Wiseau, Richard Heaven, magician Jake McCormick and Richard Jacobs.

DJ Press Play will make a return to club night after the bands.

Upstairs, there will be the first Sanctuary pop up market including cakes, crafty bits and band merchandise, with all of the sellers donating what they can to the fund.

All profits will be going to Haemophilia, Haemostasis and Thrombosis Centre.

Entrance is free on the door but those attending are asked to donate as much as they can.

Club night will carry on after the bands until 3am – admission is only for those aged 18 and over.

*If you can't attend but still wish to donate to the cause, log on to crowdfunding.justgiving.com/simoonsheartisntasshitasitusedtobe.