A TRIBUTE CD is being sold to commemorate a Basingstoke guitarist who bravely battled against a life-long brittle bones condition.

Musician Ray Brown (pictured) passed away on February 13 when he was struck down with pneumonia at the age of 37, leaving behind a wife and seven-year-old daughter.

Throughout his life, Ray suffered from osteogenesis impersecta and was wheelchair bound. By the time he was a teenager he'd suffered 500 fractures and had undergone nine major operations at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

To mark his life, his older brother Trevor has compiled a CD, called Always Laughing, which features two of Ray's songs.

He also gave the untitled tracks names One Wish Short and A View from the Other Side.

Trevor, 43, who lived in Basingstoke but has moved to Cornwall, said: "To reach that age was outstanding for his condition.

"The CD is designed as a memento. It will enable people to have some sort of recollection of him in years to come and repay the debt to Great Ormond Street.

Trevor said: "Ray spent his life striving to be as normal as possible as far as his disability allowed him."

Reflecting on Ray's character he said: "Ray was a popular figure in Hatch Warren. He had a wicked sense of humour and taught many people to play the guitar. He lived for his music, family and friends."

All of the proceeds of the CDs will go to Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

The CD is available from Modern Music, priced £5.99.

It can also be ordered by sending a cheque for £6.99 to Trevor at Dozmary, Hill Cottage, Bolventor, Cornwall, PL15 7TP.