A PIANO teacher has released an album to raise money for a charity set up in memory of a childhood friend.

Richard Laurence, 29, has recorded his own chilled-out compositions for the Robin Cancer Trust, which was started after pal Robin Freeman died in December 2011, aged 24.

Robin and Richard’s families were close, and the boys enjoyed holidays together when they were younger.

Richard, of Lucerne Road, Elmstead Market, said: “I’ve been putting together piano compositions for quite some time so I thought I’d try and raise money and awareness by putting together an album.

“The songs are all in a relaxed, chill-out style, some more classical and some jazzy.”

The sleeve includes information about Robin and the trust, which raises awareness of testicular and ovarian cancer in 16 to 35-year-olds .

It took Richard, a couple of years to put together the album, fitting it around his wedding the the birth of his first child, Grace.

As well as writing and performing the pieces, Richard has also edited it all himself.

He said: “I’ve had to learn the editing process. It was a long time in the progress. I just wanted to get it out there.”

He finished the album, the Last Leaf to Fall, in June, and is now working hard to promote it. He has already raised £700 for the charity.

Richard is now planning a followup – in aid of Colchester’s St Helena Hospice.

* The Last Leaf to Fall is available on iTunes and from Richard by searching for the title on Facebook.