A SINGER has paid tribute to his sister by performing a concert from his doorstep, to celebrate her memory during lockdown.

Radio presenter and singer Steve Forster live-streamed himself singing from his house in Whinfield Place, Askam, along with his partner Louise, to pay tribute to his late sister Margie Driver.

Miss Driver died last Wednesday after battling two brain tumours and stomach cancer.

Mr Forster described his sister as a ‘very fun and loving’ person who ‘always wanted to help people’.

“She always looked at the best parts of life,” he said.

“She enjoyed life to the absolute full, right until the end.”

Miss Driver was also a champion of gay rights throughout her lifetime.

Mr Forster said: “She was gay and always spoke very strongly for gay rights.

“She was never ashamed of it.

“What you see is what you get with Margie. She was never afraid to stand up for people and tell them what she thought.”

Miss Driver, who was one of 11 children, grew up in Benwell but often visited family in Askam and Barrow.

Mr Forster said: “She was a lovely person who absolutely adored music.

“Which is why we came up with the idea of a virtual concert to honour her memory.”

Mr Forster, alongside his partner Louise, live streamed the concert singing a host of hits to raise money for Marie Curie, who helped care for his sister in her final few months.

“The level of support we received from Marie Curie nurses was just wonderful,” he said.

“We wanted to give something back to them for all they’ve done for us.

“And obviously during lockdown we couldn’t actually be at the hospice and say our goodbyes so we did a concert to say our own farewell.

“It’s 11 years since my eldest sister died of cancer as well so the concert was in her memory too.”

So far, the singing duo has raised £300 for Marie Curie thanks to their virtual concert.

The pair have been performing from their doorstep every two weeks to help lift spirits during lockdown.

“We’ve been doing it since lockdown began as a way to cheer up the neighbours and lift the street’s mood,” Mr Forster said.

“There’s quite a lot of elderly people in the area who really enjoy the concert.”

Since starting their doorstep concerts two months ago, Mr Forster said the community response has been ‘brilliant’,

“The neighbours are always sat out on their doorsteps listening,” he said.

“We’ve had fantastic feedback from everyone.”