On April 30 poet Stephen ‘Manifold’ Anderson appeared at the Bookcase, Market Street, Hebden bridge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
An enjoyable night saw £100 raised and a cheque for £300 that included book sales was presented to the charity.
The inspiration for the evening came from Steve’s own diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2012.
Following that diagnosis Steve set about raising money for Macmillan who have offered him great support.
The evening included the performance of a song inspired by a poem from Steves book ‘The loneliness of the Unrequited Lover’ from Chris Edwards accompanied by Julie Lomax,
After a year on sale ‘The loneliness of the Unrequited Lover’ has sold over 100 copies and has been on sale at the Bookcase with all proceeds going to Macmillan.
Guest urologist Nic Bryan of Kirkwood hospice gave a talk about the early signs of prostate cancer and took several questions
Guest poet Winston Plowes read from his moving and humorous repertoire of poems.
Steve himself gave an account of his own diagnosis which raised a great deal of laughter throughout, and he and Andy Wood contributed music and poetry creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Despite the fun had by all who attended Steve wants to spread an important message.
He said: “I had no understanding that i was risk. My cancer has advanced beyond the point of any potential cure. Caught early the story is very different.”