David O'Neale MBE passed away on 20th March 2014 at the age of 59. He had been battling motor neurone disease for the last two years of his life.

David was a teacher of music, working in schools locally including as head of performing arts at Charles Burrell High School in Thetford and head of music at Hethersett High School. He then worked at Norfolk Music Service which involved him working in many schools across the county from 2001.

He was the conductor of the Bridgham and Harling Band as well as the Thetford Music Project. He also took part in the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony as an actor, then aged 57.

He was made MBE for his “tireless work” in the Bridgham community.

I would like to raise £500 to sponsor a balcony chair at the Charles Burrell Centre in memory of this remarkable man. Any excess funds will be donated to a charity of Mrs Hilary O'Neale's choosing.