Sell-out concert raises £20,000 for prostate cancer research at Southend Hospital

A packed audience at the Radisson Park Inn, Southend, helped raise an incredible £20,000 for the prostate cancer research fund at Southend Hospital during the Music of the World concert on 18 October – doubling the original fundraising goal.

The event, which celebrated a variety of music including classical, jazz, folk, Indian and pop, was organised by Trevor Taylor and Tom Gough – two local men living with prostate cancer – alongside their consultant, Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, Clinical oncologist at Southend Hospital.

Trevor, 78, and Tom, 71, both passionate musicians, performed on the night. Trevor played bass with jazz group Mandala Jazz, while Tom sang with the Southend Bach Choir. Dr Ahmed also took to the stage with Anandadhara, a South Asian music ensemble.

The concert featured a wide range of performances from groups including the Leigh Orpheus Male Choir, The Ondines, singer Lele Bizzcola, and jazz vocalist Catherine Lima.

Funds raised will go directly to the Prostate Cancer Fund, held by Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, to support the hospital’s vital research and care efforts.

Trevor, a professional musician for over 60 years, shared how a chance comment at a GP appointment led to his diagnosis. “I only mentioned I was needing the toilet more – and that changed everything. Thanks to early detection and brilliant care, I’m still here and still playing.”

Tom, a retired florist whose family business once provided flowers for Royal occasions, is responding well to treatment, which is helping to shrink his tumours. “It’s astonishing. This event was our way of saying thank you and helping others facing the same fight.”

Dr Ahmed, whose team is leading innovative treatment and research at Southend Hospital, said: “This kind of support allows us to push forward with life-saving work. Research gives hope – and saves lives.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, with more than 47,000 diagnoses each year. Thanks to advances in treatment and research, many men are now living longer, fuller lives with the disease.

With such a successful first event, organisers are already planning another for next year.