AS Roger Bolton flicked through the Oxford Mail’s special Sobell House edition, he recalled how the hospice cared for his family as cancer took its toll.

His father Douglas George Bolton lost his life to stomach cancer 27 years ago and years later his uncle Peter Bolton was also claimed by the disease.

Eynsham resident Mr Bolton is now on a musical mission to support the hospice’s £9m expansion plan by organising a charity festival in Woodstock.

He said: “It will only be a small contribution but it should make a few pennies for Sobell.”

The 63-year-old said he was reminded of the 'fantastic work' the hospice does a few weeks ago, while reading a booklet of Sobell-related Oxford Mail clippings that the hospice keeps in its reception.

He said: “I was thinking about doing the charity festival and thought I’d pop down to have another look. It doesn't feel like a hospital in there, just a relaxation centre where people can go to rest.

“When I read some of the little bits and pieces about how they've been going for 40 years and what they've achieved, I thought it would be really nice to support that.”

The dad-of-two has arranged for eight local bands to play for free at Woodstock Social Club on May 28, entertaining crowds from midday through to 11.30pm.

He has had prior success organising popular Yarnton beer festival Turnpike, and regularly arranges gigs across the county.

The retired club and health centre manager was grateful to secure the venue and bands for free, while his friend has offered to produce posters and flyers without charge.

Mr Bolton said he will ‘always remember’ the care the hospice offered his father in his final days, before the Cowley resident died at the age of 69.

He said: “The people in there were always upbeat. I remember them saying to him 'you can have whatever you want’, so he'd have a few tots of whiskey.”

He described his father as a ‘tall, regimented man’ who earned the nickname ‘Colonel’ in a nod to his service in the Army’s Coldstream Guards in the Second World War.

The veteran survived four years in Italy as a prisoner of war yet Mr Bolton said his cancer 'made him more or less shrink before me.'

He hoped the festival fundraiser, which includes a mix of music from rock'n'roll to blues, would support other families and help to sustain Sobell House's care.

The line-up includes The Sapphires, Dirty Earth Band, Jonny and The Jive Tones and Steamroller, with wristbands priced at £5 for the day.

Anyone who wants to buy a wristband or offer donations for a festival raffle can get in touch via Facebook page Roger B Events and Promotions.