In January 2021, my family was rocked by the news my son-in-law (Robbie) had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's leukemia. For the next two and a half years we supported Robbie through numerous highs and lows but always with optimism that his prospects were good. A stem cell transplant early in the summer of 2023 was seen as a final step to recovery (although we all knew the risks). Unfortunately one night in July, without warning, a complication in his treatment snuffed out his light in moments at the age of 31. The final irony - the transplant itself was starting to work. He left his wife Emily, young son Alexander, along with family, many friends and colleagues who loved and respected Robbie.

Robbie was a musician both professionally and by inclination and I want to honour him by providing young people of Dorset the opportunity to experience enjoyment and camaraderie through the medium of music in an affordable manner. I have signed up to train for a walk, the Nijmegen Marches (4Daages, in Dutch), in the Netherlands. This event takes place later this year in July and will require me to walk 30km (18.6 miles) each day, for 4 consecutive days. The recommended training regime started at the end of February and will mean I have walked 665km (413 miles), before the event even starts.

Robbie was a musician with the Royal Corps of Army Music and proudly wore the uniforms of both the Grenadier and Coldstream Guards during his service. A highly respected brass player on both trombone and euphonium he took his place in many official ceremonies including Trooping the Colour and Armistice Day. In addition he represented the UK when travelling with his regiment to many countries around the world on official duties.

Youth Music Wessex is a well established Dorset, not for profit Community Interest Company that provides opportunities to young musicians to learn and play music within an orchestra or smaller ensemble. At the most senior end the Wessex Youth Symphony Orchestra provides high quality opportunities for musicians in the UK and abroad. One challenge however is funding to enable children to get started, to try out music given the high costs of instruments and tuition. This campaign will raise funds to establish the Robbie Bowering Brass Class (from Autumn 2024) focused on giving potential brass players an opportunity that would otherwise be out of reach financially. It will do this by providing access to instruments and tuition at significantly reduced levels for beginners in brass. The level of funds raised will determine the number of individuals that can be helped and the level of support to each.

All costs associated with the event, my preparation, accommodation and travel will be met by me; ALL funds raised will go to Youth Music Wessex.