Hailing from such proud brass band pedigree, it came as no surprise when Stephen showed prodigious talent at a young age, winning the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist Award in 2009. He has gone on to win every major contest in banding since - he played solo trombone with Tredegar in its 2011 British Open victory; with Black Dyke in 2014 when its UK National Final win helped the band to secure the 3. ‘double’; and with Cory at the ‘European’ the last time it was held in Oostende, Belgium, back in 2009. His trombone playing is of the highest order and he has even performed with several of the UK’s top orchestras, despite his youth. He really is that good! 4.

However, Stephen - currently only 26 years of age - was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in February 2016 and has undergone several chemotherapies in the last year, but to no avail. It transpired that Stephen urgently requires an expensive new treatment (namely a drug called a PD1 blocker) to enable him to undergo a stem cell 5. transplant. Unfortunately, this treatment cost is above the NHS funding threshold and would cost the Sykes family £90,000.

The family, led valiantly by Stephen’s mother Joanne, commenced its mission to raise the funds within a matter of weeks and through a massive campaign, the target was reached. Whilst an amazing achievement and testament to how wonderful our movement can be when pulling together, there is still a long way to go.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Register with DKMS to become a blood stem cell donor, to see if you can help Stephen (and anyone else desperately seeking a donor). My husband and I recently completed the process - registration is so simple and the swab takes literally two minutes. Such a simple act could transform someone’s life. www.dkms.org

Finally, please spread the word! Share the news of your registration with friends and family, and perhaps post on social media. In short, please encourage others to do the same.

STEPHEN'S DESERT ISLAND LISTENING

1. First Brass - First Brass: This is the first CD I can remember hearing. Four players - namely Derek Watkins, Allan Botchinsky, Bart and Erik van Lier - combine to make up a brass ensemble. The playing is out of this World!

2. The Criminal Trombone - Christian Lindberg: The first trombone ‘solo CD’ given to me. When I was young, my teacher at the time, Anne Higgs, would lend me the disc if I’d played well in my lesson. I played it for weeks on end!

3. The Persuasive Trombone - Urbie Green: If you ever need a lesson in phrasing, tone, range and technique, buy this CD. Probably the greatest trombonist to have ever lived, in my opinion. If you haven't heard him play, you need to!

4. 20th Century Brass - Philip Jones Brass Ensemble: This is the best brass ensemble recording ever. For me, the highlight is the quintet playing Bozza’s Sonatine on the ‘second side’. All the musicians are on sublime form. Gunther Schuller’s Symphony for Brass is a great listen as well.

5. UK-UK: This progressive rock album changed the way I listen to music completely. It has some great songs and guitarist, Allan Holdsworth’s solos are especially unique. It is an album that I know backwards (almost!)  

6. One of a Kind - Bruford: This album demonstrates some of the most incredible musicianship. Allan Holdsworth features again, but the work of the rhythm section, comprising Bill Bruford and Jeff Berlin, is particularly excellent.

7. Trick of the Tail - Genesis: I only found this recently whilst at a record fair and I’m glad I did. Probably the best album from ‘pre pop’ Genesis.

8. Concerto for Orchestra - Bella Bartock/Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Fritz Reiner: One of my most favourite pieces. Surely THE recording is the one by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Fritz Reiner, from 1956. A great piece played by one of the greatest orchestras ever.’

Book: Sting: Broken Music by Hannah Stein
Sting has always been one of my heroes. There are very few musicians that can say they have been at the cutting-edge of punk, rock, jazz and everything else in-between. I was very lucky to perform with him in 2015.

Luxury item: My Hi-Fi
I guess having all these discs is a bit pointless if I don’t have anything to play them on! Anyone that knows me knows I’m a bit of a vintage Hi-Fi nut. If I’m away from home, it’s one of the first things I miss!

 

Photo: Stephen with hero, Sting

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