A NEWPORT pipe band is raising money for a plaque to be placed in Normandy in memory of one of its members near the site where he collapsed.

The City of Newport Pipes and Drums Band want to travel to Caen next year to lay a plaque in memory of former member Terry St John.

Mr St John, 75, from Newport, travelled to Caen with the City of Newport Pipes and Drums Band to play at the anniversary of the D-Day landings in June last year.

James Baker, from the pipes band, said Mr St John had always wanted to play there.

But Mr St John collapsed during the service on Sword beach, suffering a cardiac arrest.

Mr Baker helped give himCPR and he was taken to a hospital in the area, where he stayed for a few weeks. Mr St John died earlier this year after suffering another cardiac arrest. Mr James said they need to raise around £1,000 for a coach to take the band back to Caen for the service in June. He said Taylors of Newport have offered to do the engraving on the plaque free of charge but they will need to raise funds for the plaque itself.

He said they will also hold their own service on the beach in memory of Mr St John.

The pipes band will be raising the money by busking at venues across Newport.

Mr St John had been a member of pipe bands throughout his adult life after serving in the Black Watch between 1958 and 1959 when he was posted to Cyprus.

His son, Ian St John, said: “He had always played the bagpipes and loved to escape in the melody of the songs.

“The support and kindness of the pipe band has helped us through difficult times, from Dad’s heart attack in Caen to his passing in March.”

Anyone wanting to support the appeal can send cheques or postal orders made out to Newport Pipe Band to Holmdrive, Christchurch Road, Newport NP19 8LN.