Cancer fundraisers redouble their efforts

Jan 19 2009 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

A SINGER whose family has been stuck twice by cancer is belting out support for Sir Bobby Robson’s fundraising drive.

Andrew Kerry‘s mother Norah died from cancer of the oesophagus eight years ago and since then he and his family have raised nearly £30,000 to help support the research work of Professor Michael Griffin and the team who cared for her in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

In March last year, Andrew’s brother-in-law Johnny Bliss, from Washington, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and began raising money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Andrew, also from Washington, has now decided to show his support by splitting the proceeds of his own fundraising equally to support both Prof Griffin’s research work and Sir Bobby’s foundation.

Andrew, a professional singer, said: “Johnny is so completely committed to helping Sir Bobby that this seemed the right thing to do. Ultimately, every penny for both charities will go to help fight cancer within the North East.”

Andrew’s twin charity fundraising event will be held at Rainton Meadows Arena on April 23. The event brings some of the top cover bands in the country together, including the Bernadette Wide Band, Black Pearl and Re Take That, as well as Andrew’s own band, Andrew Kerry’s Soul Collection.

Sir Bobby said: “I’m extremely appreciative of the efforts that Andrew and his family are going to on behalf of Professor Griffin’s research work and my own charity.”

Tickets for the event are £7.50 each and can be bought from the Rainton Meadows Arena on 0191 584 8630, or Andrew on 0773 249 9199.