VIDEO: Elvis tribute to raise money for hospice in memory of father

GREAT Britain’s best Elvis impersonator will appear in Crow Country for a charity fundraiser in memory of his father.

Mark Goddard, 46, grew up in Royston, went to Tannery Drift, Roysia and Meridian Schools, and is aiming to raise money for his dad Ray who lost his battle with leukaemia last October.

Ray spent his final hours in the Garden House Hospice, Letchworth GC, and as a mark of respect his son hopes to raise �2,000 for the charity with a concert held at the Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester, on Saturday.

Mark said: “The Garden House Hospice looked after my dad and they did a fantastic job and they made what is a painful experience for everyone as comfortable as it can be.

“Hospices get no government funding but I have learned from experience how good they are, and if I can raise money for them to help out other families I will.

“You’re talking about someone’s last days, and every moment is precious.”

Mark began impersonating Elvis while working at a holiday camp and went on to hone his craft – going on to appear on TV programmes Trisha and This Morning.

He went on to beat 150 other Presley impersonators to secure his title as Great Britain’s Best Elvis.

It was Mark’s father, who was in Her Majesty’s Grenadier Guards, who started him off in music.

“My father played brass instruments and I always had music around me as a youngster, and at Roysia I decided I wanted to play the guitar because I liked Elvis and most of his songs are guitar based,” he said.

Mark will be performing with his nine-piece band and the �20 tickets include a chicken meal.

Tickets are available on the door but to ensure there is enough chicken to go round Mark would prefer you called and booked.

For more information and tickets call him on 07860 683369.