Now, a year after his death at the age of 62, she is keeping that promise, with her CD 'Music of His Promises' being launched at a concert in the Civic Centre on Friday, September 26.

All the money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support, which was a lifeline for her dad and the family during his illness.

She said, "My dad had so much help from Macmillan and, as a family, we couldn't have coped without them. He had cancer for two years and for one year of that time he was seriously ill.

"We managed to keep him at home the whole time, and he passed away at home. My sister Sara is a nurse, so she was able to do a lot for him, but she couldn't have done it without the help of Macmillan. No matter what you wanted or needed, they were there with it."

Emma, who is studying to be a primary school teacher at Stranmillis College Belfast, plays the piano and also gives singing lessons at the weekend. She added, "I have been singing since I was about 12 and dad always supported me, bringing me to singing lessons in Armagh every week.

"He wanted me to make a home CD for his cousin, Billy Pickering, who lives in America, but once dad became ill, that wasn't top of my priority list.

"After his death, we wanted to do something as a Christian family that would show our faith as well. A lot of work has gone into it."

The CD contains 13 tracks - traditional hymns that Emma's dad loved, but sung in a modern style. They include Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, When Peace Like a River, and newer hymns such as In Christ Alone and Jesus is Lord.

The songs have been arranged by Bangor man Jonathan Rea, who is artistic director of the Christian music charity, New Irish Arts, while Emma's friend, Paul Savage, a piano teacher from the Donacloney area, will accompany her on the piano in both the CD and at the concert.

The CD will be launched at the concert in Craigavon Civic Centre on September 26, starting at 8pm. It will cost £10 on the night, and £12 thereafter.

The concert, as well as featuring Emma singing songs from her CD, will also include the band, Live Issue, who play country gospel,and Nathan Jess, who plays the piano and sings, and is well-known in New Irish Music circles.

Eight pipers from Bleary and District Pipe Band will also be performing on stage.

Mr Pickering, who played the banjo, was a keen follower of Bleary Pipe Band, so, as Emma explains, the concert covers all his musical tastes.

He would also have been known in local business circles, as director of Rapid International, based on the Mullavilly Road, Laurelvale.

Members of the Pickering family from further afield are planning to attend the tribute concert, with Billy and his wife Mary hoping to come over from America, as well as Emma's uncle Victor Pickering, his son David and wife Laura, coming from England.

Tickets for the concert are priced £6 and are available from the Faith Mission Bookshop (now in Magowan Buildings, beside Au Naturale), Eden Pharmacy in Bridge Street, and Fresh Fruit and Veg in Main Street, Tandragee, or by phoning the Pickering family on 07598689189.