Simon and friends to battle the Big C with top tunes

Simon Walker was forced to have his leg amputated after doctors found a tumour in his knee six years ago.

The 26-year-old was supported by charity Clic Sargent – and now he wants to give something back. Simon is holding Music versus The Big C at Eastborough Working Men’s Club on April 6.

Clic Sargent care for children and young people with cancer by providing support for families at home and in hospital from the day of diagnosis, as Simon found out when he was diagnosed at just age 20.

“I woke up one morning and my knee was really swollen,” said Simon. “I went to have surgery and they took a tumour out.”

He was back at work within weeks, until a call from his doctor lead to the news that abnormal tissue was found in his knee after tests.

“It turned my life upside down,” said Simon. “It was just shocking.

“I had chemotherapy for nine months and it was just absolutely dreadful.”

But Simon was heartened by the support of Clic Sargent staff, who supported him financially, gave him someone to talk to and took his two children out on trips.

“They don’t just support you,” added Simon. “They support your whole family.”

Simon now has a prosthetic leg, but has not let that get in the way of his love of music. He has performed all over morth Kirklees and beyond, where he has met many of the artists who will be performing on April 6, including Batley singer Jade Helliwell. He will also be performing on stage along with around ten others on the night.There will raffles, an auction, a cake sale and more at the event from 4pm, which is sponsored by Batley Transport.

Tickets are £2 on the door and £1 in advance. Under 16s go free. Visit www.facebook.com/musicvsthebigc for more information.