THE WIDOW of an internationally-acclaimed opera singer is launching a charity in his memory.

Philippa Poulton, founder of The Robert Poulton Foundation, will mark the occasion with a concert at St John’s Smith Square, London, tomorrow.

Mr Poulton was involved in a car crash on the B2102 at Cross-in-Hand, near his home in Heathfield, on October 30, 2012.

The baritone, who had sung with the English National Opera and was a regular soloist at Glyndebourne, died hours after the crash in the Royal Sussex County Hospital. He was due to perform for Glyndebourne touring opera the next day.

The crash also claimed the life of 19-year-old Jessica Christie-Sturges.

An inquest last year recorded a verdict of accidental death. The coroner heard Miss Christie-Sturges, distraught from her break up with her boyfriend moments before, was thought to have lapsed in concentration momentarily, drifting into the path of Mr Poulton. Both cars were thought to have been travelling at 60mph.

At the time Mrs Poulton said: “Rob was wonderful. He was a loving father and a great man. I still listen to his music. We had 30 years together. A love like that doesn’t die. It is an enduring love.”

The foundation pays tribute to Mr Poulton’s love of singing and hopes to change lives through music. Selections of music at the concert, from 7pm, will include Jenufa, Eugene Onegin, La Traviata, Norma, Falstaff, as well as Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music.

Musicians Rebecca Evans, Susan Bickley, Louise Crane, Kathryn Harries, Yvonne Howard, Lucy Schaufer, Wynne Evans, Chris Gillett, John Graham Hall, Adrian Thompson, Ian Belsey, Robert Hayward, Brindley Sherratt, the Trinity Boys Choir and a mixed chorus of Mr Poulton’s colleagues are all set to perform.

The evening will be hosted by opera singer Wynne Evans, the face of Go Compare.

Mrs Poulton said: “I wanted everyone to know that there can be an extremely positive outcome after such a tragedy.”

The Robert Poulton Community Choir will also launch at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Eastbourne, in January.

Tickets for the concert cost between £5 and £30 and can be bought at www.sjss.org.uk.

For information visit www.robertpoultonfoundation.org.uk.