Fragfest honours friend's memory

Devoted friends of a Milton Keynes man who passed away following a brain injury are preparing to host their seventh charity music festival to honour his memory.

Everybody is welcome to attend the one-day music festival, dubbed Fragfest, which will be held at The Prince Albert Pub in Bradwell Village from 12 noon until midnight on Saturday 30 April.

All the profits will go to local brain injury charity Headway Milton Keynes.

A vicious assault at his home in Milton Keynes left Martin Coates, known to friends as Fraggle, with a severe traumatic brain injury and epilepsy.

He tragically died in January 2009 after years of recovery.

Following the assault, Fraggle became a member of Headway Milton Keynes and benefitted from the support offered by the group for three years.

After Fraggle’s death, his father John organised what was to become an annual local festival, Fragfest, both as a way of keeping his son’s memory alive on his would-be birthday and giving something back to the charity.

Seven years later, support for the festival continues to grow. Last year, it generated £2,000 to support local brain injury survivors and their families.

This year’s event will see a variety of music acts including local band, Mad Mods and Englishmen, turn out to show their support.

“Fraggle loved music and lots of it,” said John. “Fragfest seemed like a fitting tribute as it sees bands, locals and family friends joining together to honour his memory, while raising some funds and much-needed awareness for Headway Milton Keynes.

“It seems to get better each year and it always surprises me how many people turn up to remember Martin just as he was. He will never be forgotten.”

Event organiser Rona Shuttleworth, who volunteers at Headway Milton Keynes, said: “It is a privilege to be involved with such a fantastic and worthwhile event. We would like to thank everyone who supports our efforts by donating money or helping to bring the local community together each year and make Fragfest such a success.”

She added: “Whether you have a personal reason for supporting the fundraiser or simply want to have some fun, anyone is welcome to come along, enjoy the live music, and support an important cause in the process.”

Funds raised at Fragfest enable Headway Milton Keynes to continue developing the charity’s rehabilitation programmes and services for local families in urgent need of support after brain injury.

You can find our more about Headway Milton Keynes on http://www.headwaymiltonkeynes.org.uk

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