This year's North West Regional Championship will be particularly special for one member of The Clinical Trial Company Group band.

Their solo baritone player Andy Wood was diagnosed with bowel cancer in August last year at the age of 44.

Since then he has had both radiotherapy and three months of chemotherapy — and all the time attending rehearsals and concerts when physically possible.

Big focus

Fortunately for Andy the Area contest falls between the end of his initial chemo and surgery, and so he has worked hard to ensure he will be able to play on the day.

He told 4BR: "The Area contest has been a big focus for me during my treatment and I really wasn't sure whether I would be able to make it.

The band has been amazing during this difficult time and the support I've received from family and friends has been truly humbling.I'm determined to beat this horrible disease and also make it to the Spring Festival back in Blackpool."

The band has been amazing during this difficult time and the support I've received from family and friends has been truly humbling.I'm determined to beat this horrible disease and also make it to the Spring Festival back in BlackpoolAndy Wood

Awareness

Andy wants his story to be shared in order to raise the awareness that bowel cancer is not just an 'old man's' disease and persuade others to see their doctors if they have any concerns about their health.

Andy's wife Arlene, and her brother Darren, are also doing her bit to raise both money and awareness for bowel cancer research by competing in the Stafford half marathon on 18th March.

To donate

To donate visit their just giving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/arleneanddarren