A widower whose wife died died following a long battle with brain cancer is bidding to raise money in her memory.

Orpington's Sarah Beston - who has been described as a "wonderful mother" by loved ones - died at the age of 48, having suffered with glioblastoma for 27 months.

The diagnosis came following a referral for an MRI scan when she began experiencing a tingling sensation in her right hand.

She underwent courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which successfully shrunk her tumour, but died last year as her husband, Nick, held her hand.

"Sarah was a wonderful mother and wife, as well as a Guide leader and Sunday school teacher, who had spent her whole life helping other people," Nick said.

“We did our best to have two positive years by finding fun things to do as a family.”

Now the father-of-two is hoping to raise money for a couple of charities through his love of jazz music.

A freelance saxophonist, Nick teaches children how to play the instrument at Sevenoaks School, and he will use the Tonbridge Road site's Pamoja Hall to stage more than 40 musicians tomorrow.

Among those appearing during the night of big-band music, will be players from London's West End as well as performers from the National Youth Jazz Orchestra - a group which his son Alfie will be a part of.

Members of the British Armed Forces, who last week played at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, and a collection of the school's most talented jazz musicians will also take to the stage.

“It’s a really varied evening of music with something for everyone," Nick continued.

"There’s swing classics, a film theme and more modern big-band music, all sorts of things, and will be really good fun."

He is raising money for Brain Tumour Research and Orpington-based charity Living On, which helps bereaved families with children.

Nick added: “It’s important to raise money for research into brain tumours because it’s a horrendous disease and it was an absolutely awful end to a much-loved woman.

Charlie Allsebrook, from Brain Tumour Research, said: “It’s heart-warming to hear about the ways Sarah and her family were able to continue making precious memories together throughout her illness. We’re really sorry for their loss but know that, sadly, their story is not unique.

“Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet, historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

"We’re working to change this but it’s only by working together that we will be able to improve treatment options for patients and, ultimately, find a cure.

"Sarah was a wonderful mother and wife, as well as a Guide leader and Sunday school teacher, who had spent her whole life helping other people..."

“We’re really grateful for Nick’s support and wish him every success on Sunday at what should be a fun and entertaining night for all.”

The show, called Big Band Aid, is set to be held at at 7.30pm, with tickets costing between £7.50 and £15.

To secure a seat for the event, visit www.bigbandaid.co.uk.