An Ipswich woman who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer has founded a new charity which offers music therapy to sick children and their families.

Ipswich Star: Kris Moore.Kris Moore.

Guitarist and singer Kris Moore has teamed up with her old school friend, Kath Gosling, to launch the Krissy & Friends Foundation, which gained registered charity status last month.

The cause has backing from the Ipswich music scene and a gig is being held tonight by local band Albion Mills to help raise money and awareness.

Mrs Moore, of Alan Road, decided to take on the challenge in April 2013 after she was diagnosed with terminal womb cancer – seven years after recovering from breast cancer.

The 43-year-old, who got married in September last year, said: “Music reaches all of your emotions.

“Everyone can relate to music and this charity is supporting children through music because it’s so powerful and emotive.

“The music scene jumped on board because those who play music and are involved with music get it. It benefits you in so many different ways.”

Having worked with children for most of her life, Mrs Moore said she wanted to do something positive that combined both music and young people.

From 2008 she spent two years working with orphans and vulnerable children in Africa and she most recently stood as a support worker for pupils with social and behavioural difficulties at Ipswich’s Chantry High School.

Despite having to give up work a few months after her diagnosis, Mrs Moore still volunteers at Downham Farm in Monk Soham, which gives work opportunities to disadvantaged young people.

Before Krissy & Friends Foundation can start supporting families, it needs to recruit a team of volunteers who have experience working with children to act as a referral committee – finding the people who would benefit from the charity.

To register an interest, email: krissy.and.friends@gmail.com before January 20, 2016.

James MacRae, frontman of Albion Mills, which takes its name from a former Ipswich pub, is also an old school friend of Mrs Moore from Copleston High School in Ipswich.

“It’s a musical charity so it’s close to all of us,” said Mr MacRae, 44, who teaches history at Hadleigh High School.

“Kris’ drive and determination to set up this charity in the wake of her diagnosis is an inspiration, and we want to do everything we can to support her.”

The gig is being held at The Manor Ballroom in St Margaret’s Green, Ipswich, at 7pm.

The event also includes a raffle with prizes donated by local companies including Ipswich Town Football Club and the New Wolsey Theatre.

Tickets can be bought for £5 online at albionmills.yapsody.com or can be picked up from Out of Time Records in Ipswich or Chuckles Costume and Fancy Dress Hire in Felixstowe. Entry to the event is free for children.