The sad death of Merseybeat legend Gerry Marsden brought vivid memories back to one former Liverpool-based officer of the time Gerry helped out with a major fundraising effort to help the children of Chernobyl in Russia.
Retired colonel Peter Parfitt was at the time commander of the TA Signal Regiment based in Huyton.
In 1995, he decided he wanted to do something for the children who were still suffering the after-effects of the catastrophic explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in 1986.
This resulted in an aid convoy being organised to go to Odessa to bring much-needed medical supplies to the children in the Ukrainian city, which is twinned with Liverpool.
Although Mr Parfitt had had no previous contact with Gerry Marsden, he was able to obtain his phone number and contacted him at home to ask if he could help raise money to cover the costs.
Gerry had just returned home from a tour of the United States and was still suffering from jet lag. Despite this, not only did he readily agree to the officer's request, he would also fly out to Odessa himself to perform an impromptu concert on the Potemkin stairs.
Mr Parfitt, 70, said that the aid convoy had already received help with transport and hospital equipment to be taken to Odessa.
He added: "The only problem was a lack of funds to buy fuel and cover other expenses during the two-week trip and so fund raising was required and in a hurry.
"I approached Gerry because he was the most well-known Liverpudlian living in Liverpool at that time.
"I telephoned his house and at first spoke with his wife, Pauline. Gerry came to the phone, even though he had only just got back from a gruelling US tour and with jet lag. He agreed to help without any hesitation.
"He put his heart and soul into the fundraising efforts, giving up huge amounts of his spare time. Gerry also agreed to fly out to Odessa to be with the regimental team during the weekend when the kit was being transferred to the children's hospital.
"Gerry had to fight back tears as he was taken on a tour of the hospital. Later he performed an impromptu concert on the world famous Potemkin Stairs that led down to the harbour in Odessa.
"He sang Ferry Cross the Mersey and You'll Never Walk Alone using an acoustic guitar donated by Rushworths of Liverpool which was later donated to a children's orphanage in Odessa.
"Although everyone remembers Gerry as an accomplished musician and songwriter his generosity and kindness often went unnoticed.
"He would do anything for his beloved city of Liverpool and was proud to have played his part helping the children of Odessa.
"The aid convoy was a great success and many children's lives were saved as a result. Gerry continued to raise money even after we all returned."
