Beleza Productions | Lynden's Wish

In 2005, Nikkie Hall, the wife of Mobo winning and Brit nominated soul star the late Lynden David Hall, called upon a few of her husbands' friends, and began on a journey to fulfill the couple's wish.

Since 2003, Lynden had been suffering from Hodgkin's Lymphoma disease; a rare form of cancer that mainly affects young people. In January 2005 he had a Stem Cell transplant, an operation that resulted in him being hospitalised ever since. For nine months he was in intensive care fighting for his life. His spirit was never broken, and despite his debilitating illness, his wish was to help raise money for fellow sufferers, and to give back to those that have helped him.

Nikkie and Lynden called on good friend Musical Director Arnold Khanu and Producer Sarah Cropper, and together they began work on the show. The results were astounding - within four months they were able to bring together a stellar cast of musicians, professional organisers and a venue, all offering their services for free, to present one of this year's most exclusive and rare events. 100% of the proceeds were pledged to various charities of Lynden's choice.

Paying tribute to Lynden on the night were Beverley Knight, Ms Dynamite Omar, Don-E, Andrew Roachford, Shola Ama, Courtney Pine, DJ's Diggz and Matt White, alongside new artists, Rosita Lynch and Bev Tawiah. Cementing the musical performances, was the Lynden David Hall Band with Maurice Brown, Jose Joyette and Francis Hylton and Music Director Arnold Khanu. The night was hosted by Channel 4's June Sarpong.

Not only did this incredible line-up show testament to the respect, admiration and honour that is held for Lynden, but for the strength of feeling in raising the profile of Lynden's chosen charities, including the Afro Caribbean Leukaemia Trust. The ACLT's primary aim is to increase numbers of African, African Caribbean and Mixed Parentage descent who register onto the UK Bone Marrow Register, with aim to save those who urgently require a transplant from a matching donor. Furthermore, the show announced a Bone Marrow Registration Drive held at Hammersmith Hospital on 19th November.

The event grew organically. There was no publicity drive other than a brief announcement to three or four websites and radio stations. Yet, within one week Lynden had received thousands of goodwill wishes from fans, and fellow musicians alike, both here and from the US, accompanied by an enormous ticket demand for the Jazz Café event.

In the words of one performer and friend, "this response is just testament to the guy... Lynden's challenge puts life into perspective; family has been inspired. There's a message in there beyond music. It's a life message".