Note: The Steve Harris (SHY) Memorial Fund worked with The Brain Tumour Charity for over 14 years since Steve’s passing in 2011, raising over £44K for research into Glioblastoma (GBM) brain tumours. We are proud of what we have achieved for The Brain Tumour Charity during this time.

From December 2025, our Fund is working with Brain Tumour Research and our goal remains the same, with all donations on this page supporting GBM research at the Centre of Excellence at Nottingham University.

So here’s our new JustGiving page in memory of Steve Harris....songwriter, guitarist, creative genius and driving force behind British rock band SHY. Steve was my beautiful, devoted and loving husband who I adored (and still do) and who was cruelly stolen from me, his friends and fans by a Glioblastoma Multiforme brain tumour 28th October 2011.

Steve didn't smoke, was teetotal, ate healthy food, a slim 6 footer and as fit as a person half his age, he ran 2 miles each day and has always been a clean living guy. He did nothing wrong, he did everything right, he was just one of the unlucky ones, randomly chosen, it doesn't matter who you are, your age or what you do, brain tumours cannot be prevented. When he was told from day one he was not going to survive this illness his words to me were..."I've had 44 good years...these things happen".

The stoic and positive way in which he dealt with this indiscriminate and devastating illness was as inspirational as the man himself and out of Steve's illness I want to achieve something positive and that is to help raise much needed and urgent funds in Steve's memory for Brain Tumour Research to help fund research for new treatments and to support those affected (and their families) by GBM brain tumours. We must raise awareness of this 'hidden' illness and ultimately find a cure for the unfortunate people who will follow in Steve's footsteps and through no fault of their own will fall victim to this totally random disease.

An extraordinary, unforgettable and very private person and a true gentleman in every sense of the word, Steve was quiet, unassuming, dignified had self-respect and never drifted from his own moral standards. He was hilariously funny.....his quick fire answers and one-liners were priceless! I used to tell him that if he hadn't chosen to be a musician he should have become a stand up comic! I'm surprised I don't have a face like a wrinkled prune from the laughter that rocked my World. He was also born with a natural talent for his instrument that has inspired so many. His dedication to his band was 100% constant and his song writing and playing improved with each passing year, he was like a fine wine. Even on ‘free days’ he would practice for several hours....to see Steve without a guitar in his hand was quite a rare sight for me! He used to lovingly call me a 'guitar widow'....now I'm one for real.

A prolific songwriter and described as 'one of the best melodic rock guitarists in the UK', Steve was voted 32nd best guitarist in Japan's Burrn magazine (June 2012 edition) ranking higher than Angus Young of AC/DC and Uli Jon Roth, ex Scorpions! He has also received praise from many guitar legends that include Michael Schenker, Gary Moore (RIP) and Brian May who have all seen him perform. Now, Steve's legacy is the awesome music spanning almost 30 years he created for SHY and I hope his music will inspire you to never let go of hope, even in the face of adversity, just as he never did.

Steve was also a person that belongs to that 'unique group of people', you know, the stand outs', the type you meet once in a lifetime, a person that not only touches your heart but also your soul...you might meet maybe 2 or 3 of these people in your lifetime, but sadly you might not meet one and although the World I knew has ended under such shocking circumstances and another one starts, I am forever grateful this very special man asked me to be his wife.....and one of my tributes to him for bringing so much happiness into my life for 27 years is that I legally changed my middle name to Steve on what would have been his 47th birthday on April 19th 2012.

For all things Steve and SHY plus updates about our fundraising efforts, please visit our Facebook page:

‘In Memory of Steve Harris (SHY) Fundraising For Brain Tumour Research’

Thank you for supporting GBM brain tumour research in Steve’s memory - Deb Steve Harris x