A devastated musician has told of his “hurt” after his saxophone was stolen during a charity gig for the hospice his wife died in.

Leo Slayter, 63, left his unique blue-coloured saxophone unattended at the Pilgrim Hospices Vintage Tea and Fair at Westgate Gardens on Sunday after his first performance.

But when he returned to play, the music tutor discovered his instrument had been stolen.

His wife Marousya Slayter passed away at the Pilgrims Hospices, Canterbury, aged 58.

Police are now investigating the incident and inquiries are ongoing.

Mr Slayter said: “I went out for a little break and left my saxophone at the back on a stand when the ukulele players came on.

“There were hundreds of people so I had trouble seeing where my instruments were.

“The ukulele players finished and it was at that point, when they were packing up, that I noticed the saxophone had gone.

“It’s just nasty. A lot of people knew that we were playing for charity.”

Mr Slayter married his wife in 1994 but she lost her battle with cancer in 2001. This was the third year he performed at the charity gig in memory of her.

“It’s just nasty. A lot of people knew that we were playing for charity...” Mr Slayter

He said: “I lost my wife in the hospice, that’s why this hurts so much.”

Despite his blue Opus USA alto saxophone being snatched, this failed to stop him returning to play.

He added: “I carried on playing afterwards - the show must go on. I played the clarinet and flute instead.”

Mr Slayter is now “looking for a miracle” to find his saxophone following concerns he will be unable to perform his weekly slot at the Herne Bay bandstand.

But the musician said: “I’m a fighter. I will keep going.”

Pilgrims Hospices CEO Cate Russell said: “The theft is upsetting. For thieves to target a hospice event in this way is a difficult thing to understand.

“Leo kindly donated his time and talent to support our Vintage Tea and Fair and as a charity we understand that our wonderful volunteers are the backbone of Pilgrims.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.

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