The inspiration for a charity which raises funds for cancer-related causes has died aged 56.

Baz Redman, of Beauchamp Close, Eaton Socon, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the same disease that claimed his father, Peter.

His death on Christmas Eve marked the end of months living with the condition, during which Baz and brother Kevin set up Northern Soul Against Cancer.

The charity was named after the music scene the brothers both enjoyed. Kevin, who is 53, said: “It was because he was poorly that we started it up. The biggest legacy he could leave is Northern Soul Against Cancer.”

Kevin said his brother, who leaves his wife, Maggie, and sons Wayne and Carl, was a well-known Northern Soul DJ all over the country.

As well as putting on gigs to raise funds, with the help of pals, including Kev and Denise Draper and David Hayden, they sold patches, or badges, one bearing Baz’s name and picture with the message “Lend a hand”, which traditionally were put on bags taken to all-night events.

In less than 12 months, they have raised more than £11,000 which has been divided between charities and organisations such as the Woodlands Cancer Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital and the Hunts Community Cancer Network.

Kevin added: “People from the soul scene would describe him as a cheeky chappie. He was quite quiet but always had a glint in his eye and a grin on his face.”

Next month is the charity’s first anniversary and a gig is being held at The Priory Centre, St Neots from 8pm on Saturday, February 28.

“Now that’s going to be even more poignant,” Kevin added. “Rather than everyone missing him, it will be a celebration of his life.”

Baz’s funeral will be at St Albans Woodland Burial Ground, Church Road, Keysoe at noon on Friday (January 9), followed by a wake at St Neots Football Club. Anyone attending has been asked to dress as though attending a Northern Soul event. Family flowers only with donations to Northern Soul Against Cancer. INFORMATION: For more on the charity, visit www.northernsoulagainstcancer.co.uk.