Cuz Cussen is a man on a mission, with precious memories of his much-loved mum powering him towards his target of raising an incredible £100,000 for the charity closest to his heart.
Big-hearted Cuz, who lives in Mutley with his wife Lyn and son Tyler, is the force behind Rockfest, the annual live music extravaganza that has seen Plymouth rock out in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth – which cared so compassionately for his mum Dot – every year since 2009, raising a staggering £90,000 so far.
Now Cuz is issuing a rallying call to live music lovers to unite and enjoy the 19 bands lined up over this year’s Easter weekend (20 and 21 April) at Crash Manor, Plymouth. With his unwavering determination and their enthusiastic support, he is set to smash his £100,000 target, giving St Luke’s a big boost towards the £4 million it needs to raise each year to help people who desperately need its care.
Diagnosed with cancer, Dot was looked after by the charity, first at home and later at Turnchapel, before sadly she passed away in 2008. St Luke’s was also there to support Cuz – her only child – and his dad Don, to whom she was married nearly 50 years, through their very difficult time.
Cuz said: “Mum was awesome. Kind, caring and generous, she was always looking out for others, whether it was family or her neighbours in Devonport, and did so much for them as well as holding down her job as a cleaner at Penlee Secondary School. And she made the best pasties in the world – never matched in the 11 years she’s been gone, sadly!
“St Luke’s was such a source of comfort for us all, as well as the outstanding way they took care of Mum’s medical needs. She was looked after in the very best way, with her dignity respected, and was able to pass away peacefully, surrounded by her family. I can’t thank St Luke’s enough for what they did in our time of need, but with the continued help of loyal friends and other generous fans of live music I can have the privilege of giving something back. ”
Packed with fantastic bands playing everything from rock to reggae and punk to metal, and with great raffle prizes too, Rockfest is a great opportunity to enjoy the Easter weekend in an electric atmosphere while helping Cuz reach that Titan of a total.
The doors open at Crash Manor at 1pm, ready for the first band at 2pm. No ticket required, admission is £10.00 per day. Hand stamps will be given which will allow those attending to come and go on the day.
Visit the official page for full listings of bands.
*bands correct at time of print, subject to change.
