Friends of the late Steve Ford are organising a memorial event later this month to celebrate his life and achievements and would love family and friends to join in an evening of friendship and sharing memories.

The event, open to family, friends and anyone who knew him, will take place on Tuesday 21st May at Brierley Hill Civic Hall. 

Steve passed away in December, just a few days after helping bring smiles to the faces of families and children less fortunate as part of the Dudley CVS 'Operation Santa' appeal.

Ford was a community champion who was involved with Dudley Hospital Radio for many years, working tirelessly for young people in Russells Hall Hospital's Children's ward, to help make their dreams come true.

Dave Brownhill, a life long friend and founder of Dudley Hospital Radio, revealed how Steve came to change his name from his birth moniker of 'Mukanovic' to 'Ford' when he first took to the airwaves with the station in the early 1980s after radio pals told him his Yugoslavian surname would be too difficult to pronounce on air. Dave said:

"Steve helped to make over five hundred dreams come true for poorly youngsters on the children's ward through his charity, 'Wishing Well'. It really changed his life forever."

Over the years, Ford arranged helicopter and limousine rides, pop star meet and greets, dream job taster days and he even organised the chance for one child to enjoy a flight around the Bay of Biscay on Concorde. Eileen Fielding, Volunteer Centre Development Officer at Dudley CVS which coordinates the borough's 'Operation Santa' appeal, described Steve as 'the ultimate super volunteer' who had a 'lovely positive soul'.

She added: "His warm personality made him really popular. He was one in a million."

The memorial event is free to attend and takes the form of an evening of memories. Those in attendance can join in the 'open mic' style sessions and share their memories.

To book your place and help with numbers please click here or call Dave on 07970 688645.