By Leicester Mercury | Posted September 28, 2012
A music fan has turned promoter to stage a fundraising concert for the charity that helped his girlfriend through the ordeal of breast cancer. James Attenborough, 37, from Oadby, remembers the day when girlfriend Sally Stephens was diagnosed in September, 2010.
"It came out of the blue," he said. "We'd been together a year at that point.
"The next 18 months were very difficult for us, but obviously much worse for Sally.
"You feel helpless and there's not a lot you can do but offer your love and support.
"It made me realise how many people suffer from the illness but I got to see at first hand the work of Coping with Cancer.
"They were incredible with Sally."
The concert is being staged at The Soundhouse, in Southampton Street, Leicester, tomorrow night, where city singer-songwriter Jersey Budd will top the bill.
Sally, 41, underwent surgery and months of debilitating chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment before being given the all-clear this April.
She said: "Being diagnosed with breast cancer really turns your life upside down.
"It's a hideous disease and you never know where the journey will take you.
"I know I've been incredibly lucky to come out with my health at the end of it, with the support of James, my son Oliver, who is 16, and Coping with Cancer."
Half of the profits from the gig will go to Coping with Cancer, based in Leicester's West End, which supports about 600 cancer patients and friends and family at any one time.
Fund-raiser Jane Hagreen said: "I'm really looking forward to the gig.
"It should be a great night and will help spread awareness about the work we do to a wider audience.
"We'd like to thank James and Sally for their support, which allows us to provide further free and unlimited support to other cancer patients and their families."
The remaining funds will go to LOROS, which was chosen because Sally's employer, Freeth Cartwright Solicitors, in Leicester, are sponsors of the Corporate Relay event at next month's LOROS Leicester Marathon.
The event will also feature the talents of The Deli's Mix, Martha Bean and Elizabeth Cornish from Leicester, as well as Rob Vincent, from Liverpool, and will be compered by BBC Radio Leicester's John Sinclair.
"I've never organised anything on this scale before so getting Jersey Budd involved was a bit of a coup," said James. "I was put in touch by a mutual friend and he instantly said he was up for it.
"I'm very grateful to him and everyone else who has agreed to help."
About 114 tickets of the 180 available have already been taken. They cost £9 in advance. Doors open at 7pm.
For details, or to book, call The Soundhouse on 07830 425555 or visit:www.soundhouseleicester.co.uk
