A STOURBRIDGE folk musician’s efforts to raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer UK have given the charity a boost.

Brian Clee, aged 80, invited musicians he has played with over the years to attend the event at The Eagle and Spur, Cookley, near Kidderminster, on December 16, which together with recent donations from Dudley Golf Club, Dudley Sport Bowls Club and the Woodman Folk Club has helped to raised a total of £410 for the charity.

Mr Clee, who is now battling bone cancer after first being diagnosed with prostate cancer 18 months ago, said: “The most important thing about the event was to encourage men to become more aware of the possibility of prostate cancer and how finding out early will prevent the possibility of it spreading to other areas.”

The veteran musician, who has been on the folk music circuit for more than 40 years, added: "Unfortunately I was not diagnosed early enough; therefore I now have bone cancer.

"This prompted me to organise the musical evening and to make men aware of the need for early check-ups with their doctor by requesting a blood test for PSA, which is an indicator of the possibility of cancer. The message to all men over 50 is that early diagnosis is very important, as it is with all cancers; the earlier the diagnosis the better chances of success."

To find out more about prostate cancer go to www.prostatecanceruk.org