07 May 2025
A charity concert taking place this weekend will remember the life of the director of music at St Albans School while raising funds for the hospice which cared for him in his final days.
In April 2024, local musicians performed a heartwarming concert at The Hospice of St Francis for their friend Mick Stout, who was battling cancer. Now, the same musicians will perform again in Mick’s memory in the beer garden of The Lower Red Lion in Fishpool Street on Sunday (May 11).
Woodstout 2 promises to deliver a very special afternoon of live music, BBQ and family activities to benefit The Hospice of St Francis while celebrating how Mick dedicated his life to music, teaching and other people.
Emily Stout, Mick’s wife, explained why raising funds for the hospice is so important. “The care was absolutely incredible. It felt like we’d been scooped up. All of us were looked after [at the hospice], not just Mick. I went from being a carer to a wife again which was so lovely.”
As the father of two young children, Mick was especially grateful to be able to spend more time with them at the hospice. Mick was interviewed before he died in 2024 and said, “The children couldn’t come into the hospital, but at the hospice there’s room and space for them.
They’re so happy here. It’s not scary for them. We still can’t quite believe how fortunate we are to be here.”
One year on, Emily Stout continues to bring their children to the hospice for bereavement support. “The continuing support has been amazing,” she said. “It’s had a huge impact on the children. It made all the difference.”
She has high hopes for the concert honouring her husband. “I hope that people come to the event for the amazing musicians and because the hospice is incredible.
“Even just a small donation would be so helpful because everyone should have hospice care.”
Neil Oxtoby, one of the musicians performing at Woodstout 2, said, “We want to bring awareness to the extraordinary staff and the work they do at the hospice. These incredible people provide care, support and compassion not only to patients but also to loved ones and families for years.”
The landlord of the Lower Red Lion, David Worcester, first met Mick when he returned to take over the pub in 2013.
He said: “I feel, of course, honoured to have been asked to participate in this great event at the Lower Red Lion.
“The pub (and garden) were fondly nicknamed by Mick and his colleagues in the music department ‘MR4; – the fourth music room of the school.
“Many laughs and stories were shared over a glass (or two) of sherry and Mick is sorely missed by me and my team.”
Woodstout 2 is open to all. Donations to the Hospice of St Francis for this event can be made at: justgiving.com/page/woodstout2
