A Berkshire man, who produced an album to help raise vital funds for charity, has received a letter from the King commending him for his actions.

Tony Hickey, a trumpet player from Slough, created the CD of six musical tracks in aid of the charity Brain Tumour Research and sent a copy to King Charles III.

His actions were inspired by teenage family friend Luke Webber, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2020 after suffering from headaches and double vision.

The letter, dated July 11 and signed by King Charles III’s correspondence secretary, said: “The King has asked me to express his gratitude to you for your message of support on the occasion of Their Majesties’ Coronation, and for so thoughtfully enclosing a copy of your charity CD.

“The King was inspired by your thought for others and your charitable work in producing a CD, dedicated to Luke Webber, to raise awareness of Brain Tumour Research. His Majesty was pleased to learn of the support that you have given to such an important cause."

Luke, from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, has undergone two surgeries and proton beam therapy as a result of his craniopharyngioma.

He is now being monitored with regular scans but suffers from several life-changing chronic conditions.

Tony – who met Luke’s dad in 1993 when he started working with his grandad – began producing ‘Special’, which is the title track and name of the album, when Luke first started treatment.

Released last year, it consists of easy-listening tracks and is available to buy from Tony’s local hairdresser’s, garage, music shop and post office, as well as online at www.shop.braintumourresearch.org.

Tony said: “I wrote to the King in April, just prior to the Coronation and mentioned what I was doing for the charity.

"The idea was to generate support for Brain Tumour Research but I wasn’t really expecting to get anything back.

"It was a surprise when I did and an honour and pleasure to receive it.

“I don’t know whether he’s listened to the CD I sent, but we can hope and dream.”