THE father of a baby girl who died just weeks after being born because of a rare genetic condition is organising a guitar concert this weekend to raise money for the Stars Appeal.

Nick Parks is hoping the concert will raise around £500 for the neo-natal intensive care unit at Salisbury District Hospital – the unit which cared for his baby daughter Abigail.

Mr Parks who works as a peripatetic music teacher at schools across south Wiltshire has invited several of his pupils to perform both solo pieces and duets in the concert.

The young musicians come from several schools including South Wilts and Bishop Wordsworth’s.

Alba Parks said: “My husband and I had our beautiful miracle daughter on April 6, 2013. Abigail Charlotte Parks was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 otherwise known as Edwards Syndrome. We had her for just under ten weeks before she went to join the angels.

“As it is just before Christmas we want people to know that although tragic robberies of some sort happen to most of us, good things can come out of them. Her name Abigail means the Father’s joy and we would love for people to be filled with hope at this time before Christmas.

“The nurses in the NICU were fabulous. We still want to thank them again and again. We will always remember them as we remember our youngest. She was our princess.”

It is the second year Mr Parks has organised a concert in aid of the hospital charity.

The concert will take place at the Impact Centre at Sussex House in Newton Road on the Churchfields Industrial Estate, Salisbury on Saturday from 7pm to 8.30pm. 

The venue has been donated by City Gate Church, and the church is donating all the money raised from refreshment sales in its Riverspring Café on the night to the appeal.

Everyone is welcome and a minimum donation of £5 for tickets is requested.