First fundraiser being held for new foundation in memory of Salisbury's Thom Belk
'Mr Salisbury' supported local bands and helped reform the city's football club
The first major fundraiser for the foundation of a popular Salisbury figure is being held this afternoon (Saturday 6th January).
Thom Belk passed away suddenly on Boxing Day (26th December 2023), with the announcement coming from Salisbury FC, as Thom was an instrumental part of helping to reform the club, when the previous one had gone bust.
Thom was well known in Salisbury for his DJ and hospitality work, as well as championing the local music scene.
Today's fundraiser is being held at the Rude Giant Beer House on Brown Street and features Robb Blake, Corellian and Rock the Boat DJs.
Entry is £5 and will go towards the foundation.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up and has raised close to £10,000.
'Mind-blowing' local support
Greatest Hits Radio spoke to Charlotte Porter, Thom's sister, who said there's been a huge amount of local support for the family.
"Lots of people who wanted to get together and do something that he would love," she said.
Charlotte added: "Thom loved live music, he loved bands, he did loads of work promoting those bands and a lot of people do owe their success to Thom for that.
"And actually it was those bands that came together to say we want to put something on for Tom in his memory and we want the proceeds to go to the foundation that you (Thom's family) want to set up for Tom."
Charlotte told us that people's generosity has been 'mind-blowing'.
"I just appreciate everything that everybody's donated, and continues to donate. Everybody is donating everyday, so its very comforting.
"I initially set up the page to give Tom one last final great party, but the generosity of everybody has just been just mind blowing that we were like, you know, we need to do something for him."
Foundations aims
Asked who the foundation would aim to support, Charlotte explained it would be primarily be to help local musicians and bands.
But she added there would be other avenues of support they'd look at exploring, including within her own professional domain.
"It might be that we use some of the funds to support schools and build up their music department.
"I'm a social worker, so if it supports children that are in the care system to have an outlet, because a lot of people do turn to music in that way, we would be keen to collaborate and bring that about."