Friends of a man diagnosed with incurable cancer are organising a special music event in his honour.
Ivan Colledge, 60, of Holmfirth, was left stunned in November when he visited his GP with what he thought was an insignificant lump in his neck.
The father-of-one who works as a supervisor at Batleys Cash and Carry in Huddersfield, said he felt like he had “been hit with a sledgehammer” when he was told he had advanced cancer which could not be cured.
But he has been cheered by the support from his friends who have rallied round to organise an event at Greenhead Masonic Hall on Sunday, May 3, from 2pm, in his honour.
Musician Alan Gibson and other local artists and bands have set themselves the challenge of raising funds for Cancer Research UK.
It seemed appropriate as Ivan has loved music all his life and often works with local bands as a light and sound technician.
Following the shock news, Ivan vowed to make the most of every day and to fight the disease.
He underwent chemotherapy to shrink the cancer in his mouth, neck, back, hips and liver but unfortunately the chemotherapy tablets he took induced a heart attack after only one week and treatment had to stop. He is now on the final week of a seven-week course of aggressive radiotherapy treatment.
The fundraiser will feature nine talented bands and artists including the Actor Mick Walter, (Big Mick), and also a performance by Ivan’s son Richard. In addition there will be a charity auction for a £4,000 bathroom suite and various superb raffle prizes donated by local businesses.
Ivan added: “While I am extremely saddened to have terminal cancer I plan to live life to the fullest once my treatment is over and I am in recovery.”
Tickets are available from Cancer Research UK, 5 Ramsden Street, Huddersfield (ask for Maria) and from The Victoria Hotel, Jackroyd Lane, Newsome.
Tickets can also be paid for by making a donation of £8 per ticket to the event’s Just Giving page https:// www.justgiving.com/Suzanne-Fitton-Wilson/ Tickets can then be collected at the door or can be bought on the door for £10.
