A DYING woman’s wish to see a steel band has been granted by pupils from a Basingstoke school.

Last month an appeal was launched on Eagle Radio to find 68-year-old Patsy Houghton, who is living with dementia in Chertsey, a steel band who would play in a care home for her.

After hearing about Patsy’s plea, Brighton Hill Community College Steel Band promised to make it a reality and last week took to the stage to perform for her and others at The Orchard Dementia Centre.

Headteacher at Brighton Hill Community College, Chris Edwards said: “I am incredibly proud of how the students responded to this plea from a dying patient.

“As soon as we broke the news to them, they were determined to give Patsy a real treat. We showed the video of their performance all over the school on the following day and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

“To see the way the patients responded to the students from our school was hugely moving and we felt humbled to play a part in such a momentous occasion.”

Patsy’s condition has been worsening week by week, so Eagle Radio launched its bid to find a band for her.

It was a moving experience for the students as well as head of music Frances Earwood, whose grandad had Alzheimer’s.

Miss Earwood said: “Not all the students really knew what to expect from the patients at the centre, but they were kind, polite and respectful the entire time.

“I think it was good for them to see how music can stimulate the brain and experience the reality of what some elderly, and not so elderly, people and their families have to live with.”

Miss Earwood and her pupils took some hand held percussion instruments so the patients could join in whilst they played.

Tom Parker, who plays in the band, said it was “one of the best performances” of the band.

“Seeing Patsy dancing filled me with joy knowing that have fulfilled one of her last wishes.”