YOUNG lo-fi rockers Element will play their hearts out next month when they appear at a charity concert inspired by the struggle for life of one of the band's family.

Three-year-old Rebekah Sutton was born with a rare heart defect and died just before Christmas. Rebekah's father Graham Sutton is Element drummer Mark Tattersall's cousin and the band have now become involved in fund-raising for the ward where Rebekah was treated at Pendlebury Children's Hospital, Manchester.

Mark, 18, of Hallam Road, Nelson, said: "Rebekah led a very active life until she was three and she suffered a stroke which paralysed her down one side. She had treatment at Pendlebury but things got worse and she went back home with her mum and dad."

When Rebekah returned home to Nelson, her parents Graham and Julie Sutton set about making sure her final days were special. The family held an early celebration to mark Rebekah's last Christmas Day, and the youngster passed away at home with her family days before the festive season. The family and their friends have set up an appeal to raise funds for the cardiac ward at Pendlebury Hospital where Rebekah was treated. It is called The Rebekah Fund and they have set up a fund-raising committee and organised a number of charity events.

Element have contacted television companies to try and publicise the concert, which is set to take place at the Goodnight Club, Nelson on Friday, February 26.

Singer and guitarist Jay Stansfield said: "There has been a series of fund-raising events in the Pendle area and we want to do as much as we can to help."

The Pendle noise wizards will appear along with new hardcore act Bad Habit and two DJs styling themselves as Two Turntables And A Microphone. A comedy compere duo called Dennis and Eric will preside and items including CDs will be raffled to raise cash.

Anyone wishing to help The Rebekah Fund can call Peter Slater on 01282 611856.

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