The special concert is being organised in memory of the courageous 25-year-old, who died suddenly in March following a six-week battle against an infection which affected his heart.

The band showcase is being put together by Steven's best pal Ally Brown, who has pledged to carry through his music-loving friend's idea to organise a local gig in aid of the kidney dialysis unit at Borders General Hospital.

Ally, a member of local favourites Old Benedict, who are one of the acts on the bill on October 11, told the Hawick News: "I've known Steven since I was five but we became really close a few years later at the Youth Centre, where I used to look out for him if he had stomach cramps from his illness. After those days I still carried on looking out for Steven, but trouble never came his way because he was so well liked by everyone."

He went on: "After Party on the Pitch last year, Steven asked me to help him organise a gig to raise money for the kidney dialysis unit, because he saw the nurses there as second mums."

And further highlighting the inspiration behind his decision to go ahead with the concert, Ally added: "This gig in Steven's memory is because he should be remembered. He was one of the bravest people I've known and I miss him terribly. He never complained about his illnesses once to me and was always really cheery, even straight after an operation."

Steven had endured dialysis since he was five years old and undergone two kidney transplants, as well as the failing of his last donation and an abondoned third transplant, which meant he had to attend the BGH three times a week.

But tragically this year when infection began in the tube in Steven's arm, it led to two heart surgery operations, which the popular Johnstons employee and local DJ was unable to recover from. And describing Steven's fighting spirit and the sense of pride he has left behind, older sister Tracey Stanger said: "To us, Steven was the most courageous, brave, kind and happy person, who never complained and lived his life to the full.

"He did his best to keep a job at Johnstons, and loved his music, DJing at Base and Diesels and doing mobile discos. And even though he'd be at dialysis on a Friday and not feel that great, he pushed himself on to beat the illness that deprived him of a more normal life."

Alluding to the memorial gig and his popularity, Tracey said another huge part of Steven's life was his "great" group of friends, although he never shared the full extent of his illness with them.

Tracey explained: "They always made Steven feel like he was the same as everyone else, which is great. They were true friends."

The concert is expected to be a sell-out and has attracted top-notch performers such as Scocha, The Neumatics, Old Benedict, The Honey Badgers, Fingertip and Tourist in the Warzone. And as well as paying special tribute to Steven, his parents John and Pat and sisters Tracey and Michelle hope that the event will also raise awareness of the importance of becoming a donor.

Tracey added: "We miss Steven dearly and wish things could have turned out differently for him, but it wasn't meant to be. But we would like people to think and talk about being a kidney donor because it can give two people another chance at life."

The concert will be held on Saturday, October 11 – and tickets (£10) are on sale at Spence's, Brydon's and La Gems.