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Gig Raises £250,000 To Fight Cancer











Musicians from the north west raised £250,000 for cancer research and treatment projects across the region at this year's Versus Cancer gig.

The star-studded line-up headlined by Noel Gallagher also included Paul Weller, Ian Brown, The Charlatans and Echo and the Bunnymen.

Specialist cancer hospital Christie will receive £100,000, which doctors plan to use to research a revolutionary new treatment which works by boosting the immune system.

Cash also goes to the Genesis Cancer Prevention Centre, recently opened at Wythenshawe Hospital.

Funds raised have provided an ambulance for Dr Kershaw's Hospice in Oldham to help transport cancer patients to and from their homes.

And money is also going to testicular cancer awareness campaign, Check 'Em Lads, and East Lancashire Hospice.

It is the second year the charity gig organised by the Great Northern Aid Trust has been held at the M.E.N. Arena and organisers are planning more events for later in this year and early next year.

Ex-Smiths' bassist Andy Rourke was inspired to set up the Versus Cancer gig after his manager's sister Nina Rehman was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2004. She lost her fight with the condition a year ago.

Rourke said of this March's gig: "It was an amazing night and we're overwhelmed that so many great artists gave up their time for free to make it happen.

"Of course this is just one more step for us. With a DVD due out soon and more events in the pipeline, we hope to raise even more money for cancer charities."

Christie Hospital chief executive Caroline Shaw said: "We are so grateful to everyone involved in Versus Cancer for this generous donation.

"A fantastic concert that entertained thousands of people is also helping people with cancer by raising vital funds for research. You can't get a better combination than that.

"This money will help develop our T-cell therapy research - a revolutionary new type of treatment which boosts a patient's own infection-fighting cells to naturally seek out and kill cancerous tumours."

Wendy Adams, of the Genesis Centre, said: "One in 10 women is currently expected to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Our mission is to make one in 10 none in 10. The involvement of the Great Northern Aid Trust goes a long way in helping us to achieve this goal."

Nova Rehman, of Great Northern Aid Trust, said: "We aim to do three things: to help find a cure for cancer; to help patients currently suffering from the disease; and to raise awareness to reduce cancer death."

Source: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

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