A CHARITY fundraising rock concert is being held to raise money for the hospital which saved a Chippenham man’s life.

Rev David Gray, 55, is the minister at Central Methodist Church, on Monkton Hill, Chippenham. He suffered a life-threatening abdominal aortic aneurysm in September 2016 which nearly killed him.

He said: “My wife and I were out shopping when I felt a sharp pain in my back and collapsed. I was taken to Southmead where I had emergency operations. If they had not identified what it was immediately, I would not have made it.

“I was very seriously ill, I was in intensive care. I had time to say goodbye to my wife.I’d been told my chances of survival were 50 / 50.

“But luckily it was picked up in time. This condition typically affects men 65 and over so I was very young to have it as there are usually screenings for it.”

Mr Gray’s recovery took months and as a result of the condition he has a long-term disability, with difficulty walking. He wants to put on the concert to raise as much money and as a thanks for everything the hospital did.

Mr Gray is a fan of local band Steam Shed and they offered to help with a charity gig. The band perform a mix of reimagined covers and original music. As the former president of the rotary club, he is also keen to support the local Chippenham Rotary’s own charitable causes as well.

He said: “I wanted to give something back. There’s no doubt in my mind that their work and that which followed has made the difference between life and death for me.

“ I’d love as many people as possible to come as it’ll help to raise money for a number of very good causes and also because it promises to be a great night of music.”

The gig is at the Rotary Hall in Station Hill, Chippenham on Saturda. Doors open 7.30pm. for 8pm start.

Tickets are £10 on the door or from David Gray on 07840 989817 or revdgray@btinternet.com.