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Tony Hadley to perform at fundraiser for brain tumour fan
Mike Carr, 58, from Northallerton, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour after doctors initially blamed his symptoms on a trapped nerve.
As he awaits another scan, friends and family are raising money and awareness with Hadley’s support.
Mr Carr has followed the singer since 1983 and says his lifelong passion began when they met after a 1998 concert at Tall Trees in Yarm.
Mike Carr and Tony Hadley. (Image: MIKE CARR)
He said: “I ended up sat at a bar with him after the gig and that became my new hobby.
“I’ve been all around the country all my adult life watching him sing in front of crowds of 50 people or brilliant sold-out shows at the O2. It’s been an important part of my life.
“When I was diagnosed with my illness, I reached out to him to help with this event and I was one of the few people he couldn’t say no to.”
(Image: MIKE CARR)
Mr Carr’s symptoms began at home in December last year.
He said: “I went to make a cup of tea and my right elbow froze and my hand started shaking.
“I went to the doctor the next day and they sent me to physio. I had three sessions and they diagnosed it as a trapped nerve.
“In the new year, after we thought we’d fixed it, it happened again.
“I made another appointment to go to the physio but then I had a really violent attack when I visited my mum in her care home.
“My brother took me to hospital and three hours later I was told it was a brain tumour.”
The diagnosis came as a shock.
“It wasn’t something I was expecting,” he said. “It absolutely threw me.
“The cancer I have is the most aggressive form of cancer and people usually only live for 12 to 18 months.
“There is a small minority of people who can live for another five years.
“There is hope.”
Mike is determined to stay positive.
He said: “We’re putting a positive spin on it and fighting the good fight and keep fighting.
“I’m very blessed. I’ve got lots of good people around me to help raise money and awareness.”
(Image: MIKE CARR)
The fundraising show takes place at The Forum in Northallerton tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23.
Doors open at 6.30pm and Tony Hadley takes the stage at 7.45pm.
Tickets cost £75 and organisers say only a handful remain.
The fundraiser is expected to draw fans and supporters from across the region while raising vital funds and awareness for people living with brain tumours.
“It’s about raising awareness as much as anything,” he said. “The support I’ve had has been incredible.”
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