Musical fundraiser in son's memory

Pip Corbett’s son Stefvan died of acute myeloid leukaemia in 1979.

On August 17, on what would have been his 45th birthday, Pip will be performing with his band Gypsy’s Kiss in the New Inn and all monies raised will go to Bloodwise, formerly Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Pip, 69, said: “His death ripped me apart but I needed to hit back at what had killed my son so I started fundraising.”

In the subsequent 40 years Pip has completed six full marathons and 14 half marathons, as well as triathlons, to help fund research into the disease.

Stefvan became poorly while on a school trip in November 1978 and teachers initially thought he was having an asthma attack.

The next day he was admitted to hospital and told he had leukaemia. He returned home for Christmas before treatment started again in 1979, but on July 9 of that year he sadly died.

Pip said: “When he was diagnosed it was as good as a death sentence. Now around 30 per cent of adults and 75 per cent of children diagnosed can live a normal life.”

Since moving to Whaley Bridge in 2015, musician Pip joined Gypsy’s Kiss. When enquiring about playing at the New Inn he was offered the date of Stefvan’s birthday.

He added: “I used to sell hundreds of tickets for fundraisers when I was at work, but now retired it’s much harder so I would love a private or commercial sponsor to get on board so we can really make a difference to other families.”

To support the event, call Pip on 01663 733200.