A Norwich drummer is set to take part in a very loud world-record attempt this weekend in memory of his father.

Simon Dring, who lives in Hellesdon, will take part in the Stick it to MS event in Manchester on Sunday.

Organisers are hoping to break the world record for the largest drum kit ensemble and are attempting to bring together 800 percussionists under the roof of the EventCity venue. Each participant, who will play the same simple drum rhythm, will raise money for the MS Society.

Mr Dring, 35, who teaches drumming and plays with bands in Norfolk and across the country, said: 'It's very important I take part in this this year and try to raise as much money as possible for a great cause.'

The professional drummer lost his father to multiple sclerosis in January last year after a 20-year battle against the illness.

Chris Dring, who lived in Thurton with his wife Anne, was diagnosed at the age of 39.

His son, who was just 15 when his father began to experience symptoms, said: 'It affected his mobility but mentally he was fine. He was in a wheelchair and he did really well. He worked until about 10 years ago when he was forced into retirement because he couldn't get around very well any more. If affects you a lot. My dad was incapacitated.'

Mr Dring said his father, who had a lot of support from family and friends, did not have first-hand experience of the MS Society but he knew many others who had benefited from the advice and support it offered both people with the illness and their families.

Mr Dring has already raised more than �400 in sponsorship for the world-record attempt. A similar event in 2009 raised �66,000 with the help of 582 people, who set the last record.

To sponsor Mr Dring go to www.justgiving.com/simondring

For more information about the record attempt, visit www.stickittoms.com

Are you fundraising for a cause close to you heart? Contact the Evening News newsdesk at newsdesk@archant.co.uk