A VERY special annual concert is due to be held one last time at Launceston Town Hall on Sunday in honour of a man who dedicated his life to helping others.

Bob Johns MBE spent many years raising money for cancer research and care with his charity, The Roberts Johns Leukaemia Fund, named after his son who he lost to Leukaemia. In total, he managed to raise over £250,000.

As part of his many fundraising activities, Bob organised a concert each year with performances from his friends The Countrymen, female duo Twin Harmony and comedian Johnny Cowling.

Last year’s event, which would have coincided with Bob’s 80th birthday, was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID-19.

However, the team have come together and agreed that it is fitting to hold this event one last time in memory of dear Bob.

Member of The Countrymen, Stephen Gilbert, told the Post: “The Countrymen met Bob back in 2018 when the band was performing in their local, The Countryman Inn at Langdon Cross. With his charming manner, it wasn’t long before they were invited by Bob to join with female harmony duo, Twin Harmony, and the adorable Johnny Cowling for an annual concert that Johnny and the girls had performed at in previous years. 

“This became an annual event at Launceston Town Hall but a concert on March 29, 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19 which was a real shame as it would have been Bob’s 80th birthday bash too. Sadly, later the same year, cancer and COVID took Bob from us and the cancelled concert was forgotten.  

“It wasn’t until a year later that it was pointed out that there were 115 tickets already sold for the concert from 2020 which would need refunding. The Countrymen, Twin Harmony and Johnny Cowling discussed the situation and instantly decided to run one more concert themselves for their friend Bob.”

Tickets are back on sale and existing tickets from 2020 will be honoured. Unsurprisingly, the event, entitled ‘The Bob Johns Memorial Concert’ on the January 23 is selling well but tickets are still available online at crbo.co.uk/bobjohns or by phone on 01726 63513 or at Launceston Information Centre.  All proceeds are, of course, going to The Robert Johns Leukaemia Fund.