FAMILY and friends gathered to pay tribute to the life of a real guitar hero.
Last Friday a memorial was held in Prestatyn Parish Church for Andrew Gray, 58, who lost his brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease at the start of December.
Mr Gray, who lived in Denbigh, was a former Prestatyn High pupil, guitar technician to stars including Mike Peters of the Alarm and a musician in his own right.
At the ceremony, his brother John said: “In some ways Andrew`s life had come full circle. In his teens his love and enjoyment of music and creativity was a passion, and in his 50s when most of us embark on the more comfortable, the more mundane and more relaxed, he grasped the nettle and re-entered the world of music and musicians.”
The service was conducted by close family friends, Canon Clive Southerton and the Rev Quentin Bellamy, and was attended by Rhyl musician Mike Peters, who knew Mr Gray in his early days, before getting in touch again through a chance guitar shop advertisement.
He said: “Andy was always on hand to give out much appreciated advice. Even back then we were all very impressed as Andy always had the best equipment - which he would often very generously share and loan out to us!"
Mr Gray’s love of music was celebrated by local musicians Phil “Strat” Evans of Steamy Windows and Mr Peters, who played tributes to their colleague and friend.
Janet Parry of Prestatyn, sister to Mr Gray, said: “During the service Mike played an acoustic version of his song Breathe. He knew this to be one of Andrew`s favourites.
“There was a very touching quip made by Mike when he accidentally dropped his guitar. He turned to the congregation and said ‘I need Andy now!’ which brought a wave of laughter from everyone.”
Funds raised at the service topped £750 and will be split between the Motor Disease Association and St Kentigern Hospice.
Mr Gray’s wife Jayne and son John thanked everyone for their generous donations.
nSo far Mr Gray’s family have raised more than £12,000 to fund the fight against Motor Neurone Disease. For details on how to support the MND Association or buy a wristband visit: www.supportingandrew.blogspot.com