HEALTHCARE professionals from across Oxford hospitals will hand in their 'scrubs' and instead pick up strings, the brass and percussion instruments for a night of classical music in aid of the Epilepsy Society.

The Radcliffe Orchestra, which has been performing for more than 26 years, is made up of nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals from the John Radcliffe Hospital as well as other hospitals across Oxford.

Three times a year the group stage a concert to raise money for a range of medical charities, and next month they will be out raising money for the Epilepsy Society which is celebrating 125 years.

The charity supports people with epilepsy through research, information resources, expert care and awareness campaigns.

Charity chief executive Clare Pelham said of the upcoming performance: "We are really delighted that the orchestra has chosen us to be the beneficiary of its summer concert. Epilepsy is invisible but it affects one per cent of the population. And healthcare professionals see the impact on their lives.

"Many people with epilepsy spend every day on edge - never knowing when they will be affected by a seizure. Many have to deal with stigma from employers and teachers, to fellow passengers on the bus and fellow shoppers at the supermarket.

"We provide emotional support and information for people with epilepsy now. And hope for the future through our groundbreaking research.

"All the money raised at the concert will change lives today and tomorrow.

"And we are so grateful that those who see the condition up close in their professional lives have chosen to dedicate their music to making a difference to people with epilepsy every single day of their lives."

The concert will be held at 7.45pm on June 10 at the Tingewick Hall of the John Radcliffe Hospital, which is on the ground floor of the lecture theatre block and attached to the academic centre.

The performances to be held at the evening will include Verdi's Prelude to Act 1 from La Traviata as well as Boccherini's Cell Concerto with soloist Anna Frazer, and Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique.

Tickets for the concert which are in aid of the chosen charity are priced at £10, and £8 for concessions, with under-16s going free.

Refreshments are included in the ticket price and will be served after the performance.

Tickets are available by visiting epilepsysociety.org.uk/shop or by calling the charity on 01494 601 414.