A fundraiser to Guy’s and St Thomas’ has been set up by the family of a legendary rock guitarist known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Deep Purple singer, Ian Gillan.
Musician Bernie Tormé, who worked with the Prince of Darkness and rock band Gillan, passed away earlier this month just a day before his 67th birthday.
He had been rushed to St Thomas’ Hospital in February where he was treated for virulent pneumonia three weeks prior to his death.
Now his family have launched a fundraiser for the Guy’s and St Thomas’ charity in recognition of the “great compassion” he received at the hospital.
A fundraising site set up in Mr Tormé’s name by family states: “This site is a tribute to Bernie, who was treated with great compassion at St Thomas’ Hospital for over 3 weeks prior to his death on the 17th March 2019, one day short of his 67th birthday.
“We lost a wonderful husband, loving dad, and a caring human being.
“His music, compassion and kindness will live on in the people who knew him.”
The page has raised £800 for the two local hospitals so far.
Ozzy Osbourne also paid tribute to the musician who enjoyed a lengthy recording career, who he said had a “gentle soul with a heart of gold.”
?”What a sad day. We’ve lost another great musician,” said the Black Sabbath front-man.
“Bernie was a gentle soul with a heart of gold. He will be dearly missed. I send my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans. Rest in Peace Bernie.”
Ian Gillan, the singer in rock band Deep Purple, has also paid his respects to Mr Tormé, who was a long-standing guitarist in the singer’s solo project, Gillan.
The family’s fundraiser can be viewed here.