A Monmouth resident has turned his love for playing the saxophone into a way of raising money for a charity close to his heart.

Saxophonist, David Evans has become a regular sights and sound in the town and is often seen busking on Monnow Street or taking part in community events the celebration for 10 years of The Dogs Trust and the community-led picnic to celebrate the reopening of Inglis Bridge.

As well as being well known in Monmouth he is also a firm favourite in Abergavenny where he also plays regularly.

Known affectionately as ‘Dave the Sax’, David has been collecting money this year for the Velindre Cancer Charity and thanks to the generosity of local shoppers and visitors has collected over £700 for the charity.

“I love making music, and this is a way I can support our town centres and a good charitable cause at the same time,” said David.

The Velindre Cancer Centre is a specialist facility based in Whitchurch, Cardiff, and at Nevill Hall in Abergavenny, which is dedicated to providing diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients alongside the NHS. The centre offers a range of services, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, palliative care, and psychological support, serving a population of approximately 1.7 million in South East Wales.

David has a personal attachment to the charity, adding: “My dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2022, and I saw for myself the care and support that Velindre gave him whilst he was undergoing NHS treatment. He’s in remission now and we will always be grateful for the great care he received during an awful period.”

As the cooler weather sets in David has put his saxophone away, waiting for spring when he will be back in the town centres busking for Velindre or another charity close to his heart.