A FORMER policeman and veteran violinist who became a familiar face in Blackburn town centre as he busked for charity has died aged 76.

Tom Kay, (right) of the Dukes Brow area of Blackburn, suffered a heart attack during a second bypass operation at Manchester Wythenshawe Hospital. He was born in Withnell Fold, near Chorley, and spent his war service with the Marines before joining the police force.

He was a constable in Blackburn for 25 years before becoming a violin teacher working in various schools in the Bury area until retirement.

He was inspired to start busking after surviving major heart surgery 13 years ago and raised £6,000 by playing his violin for Blackburn shoppers. Charities which benefited included Wythenshawe Heart Fund, the British Diabetic Association, Imperial Cancer Research and the Muscular Dystrophy Fund.

Along with his wife Rita, Mr Kay was a founder member of Blackburn Symphonia, now Blackburn Symphony Orchestra. He also played the viola and double bass and enjoyed jazz.

His last performance was only last week when the couple played at a concert at the Clef Club, Accrington.

Mrs Kay said: "Tom was very grateful to everybody who helped him raise money with his busking. He organised a lot of very successful musical events.

"He was a very devoted to his family and has passed on his love of music to his four granddaughters Alice, Rachael, Laura and Fiona." He also leaves daughters Ruth and Shena and son Peter.

A service, featuring musical tributes, will be held at 12.30pm on Monday at Leamington Road Baptist Church, Blackburn.

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