Cancer patient puts on charity concert to give back to Wirral hospital
When Anthony “Tony” Gallagher walks onto the stage at Future Yard this spring, it won’t just be another gig. It will be the closing of one chapter, the opening of another, and a heartfelt thank you to the hospital that helped him through cancer.
Tony, 62, dad-of-one from the Wirral, was diagnosed with late stage three colon cancer in April 2023. What followed was, in his words, a long and daunting uphill journey, filled with fear, determination and moments of pure kindness from NHS staff at Wirral University Teaching Hospital.
Now cancer-free and rebuilding life after early retirement, Tony is giving back in the way he knows best, through music.
On the night, Tony and a group of friends, many of whom have been personally touched by cancer, heart disease or stroke, will take to the stage for The Give Back Bands: Wirral Hospital Fundraiser, a live music event in aid of WUTH Charity, supporting cancer and stroke services at Arrowe Park Hospital.
Tony said: “I was diagnosed after going in for a colonoscopy on my own. I chose not to have an anaesthetic, so I could see the screen as they were looking around. I could tell straight away it didn’t look good. The room went quiet.
“Afterwards, a senior nurse told me I had cancer. I had to ring my wife myself. That moment stays with you.”
Despite the shock, Tony stayed focused.
He said: “I felt numb. It was like staring at a 200-mile uphill bike ride. I knew it would be hard, but I was determined to get to the end. Emotionally, I think I’m more scarred now than I realised at the time.”
Throughout his treatment and recovery, it wasn’t just the clinical care that stayed with him, but the compassion.
He added: “There were nurses who saw me really sick, and nurses I sang and danced with, even with five or six tubes in me. We still managed to have a laugh. This is just my way of saying thanks.”
Tony explained how waking up each morning is something he no longer takes for granted.
He said: “I’ve always believed our time will come eventually, but that doesn’t mean we waste the time we’re given. I don’t want to spend what time I have left doing fruitless things.”
That outlook is what led to the fundraiser. Originally planned as his 60th birthday celebration that never happened because he was in hospital, the idea evolved into something much bigger.
Tony said: “When I was in Arrowe Park, I saw people abseiling down the building and thought they were cleaning windows. Someone told me it was a fundraiser for the charity. That stuck with me. I thought, why not do a music event instead?”
The evening will feature four bands, Studio 5, Bug House Beasts, Random Inspiration and The Editions, performing an energetic mix of classics and crowd favourites, from The Commitments and Fleetwood Mac to AC/DC, The Who and original songs written by friends no longer here.
“This night isn’t really about me,” Tony said.
“We’ve lost bandmates, friends and family. We’ll be playing songs in memory of people we love, including Lucy, my sister, and Bob, our singer who died from cancer, as well as friends who’ve passed from heart conditions and stroke.
“As my consultant said to me, I’m one of the lucky ones. Some people never get back to any sense of normality. This is about giving back to the healthcare staff who helped me, and supporting patients and families who don’t always have strong support networks.”
Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “Hearing Tony’s story is a powerful reminder of why the care our staff provide every day matters so much. The kindness and compassion shown by our teams stays with patients long after they leave hospital, and it means a great deal that Tony has chosen to give back through this fundraiser.”
Phil Crawford, Community & Events Fundraiser at WUTH Charity, added: “We are so grateful to Tony and everyone involved in The Give Back Bands. Funds raised will help us continue supporting cancer and stroke patients across our hospital sites, enhancing care and experiences for patients and their families when they need it most.”
The fundraiser takes place at Future Yard, Birkenhead on 18th April, with doors opening at 6.30pm.
Tickets are on sale now at £16.80, with Blue Light and key worker tickets available at £11.20.
Tony has a simple message for anyone unsure about coming along.
Tony added: “Statistically, one in two of us will be affected by cancer, so it could be you. If you enjoy seeing people doing their best for a good cause, come along, have a laugh, sing your heart out and help us raise money for such a great cause.”
Tickets are available to buy via Eventbrite here.