Ipswich bowel cancer survivor to give back with all-singing, all-dancing charity concert at John Peel Centre
Gareth Grayston is launching a concert with a host of big names for Stand Up to Cancer. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN - Credit: Archant
An Ipswich cancer survivor whose traumatic battle with the disease forced him to have part of his bladder removed is launching a star-studded concert for a cause close to his heart.
Members of Diamond are hosting their first ever concert later this year. Pictured are Gareth Grayston, Aidan Elsey, Ben Durrett, Clare Arnold, Pippa Jacob, Emily Sheridan, Phia Bushell, and Georgina Page. Picture: STEVE PARTRIDGE - Credit: STEVE PARTRIDGE
Gareth Grayston was dealt a devastating blow by medics in 2009 who told him he had bowel cancer – and that it had spread to his bladder.
But when the 35-year-old was told he was in remission and recovering, his mental health began to suffer.
He turned to music as therapy, and formed Diamond in 2013 – now he is putting on a glittering performance with some of the biggest up-and-coming artists in tow, all in aid of cancer charities.
“It was traumatic. I had to have part of my bladder removed,” Mr Grayston said of his cancer battle.
Diamond performing at Ipswich Has Got Talent. Picture: SEANA HUGHES
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“It took a real toll and strain on me, I think I had been focusing so much on the physical pain that afterwards it just hit me.
“Everyone was so supportive but I just fell into this kind of pit that I thought I might never get out of. Afterwards, the mental side of things was what I really struggled with. I turned to music as therapy, I’d always enjoyed singing. We formed Diamond back in 2013, and since then we’ve performed at countless gigs.”
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Their first ever headlining show, Diamond’s Stand Up To Cancer Concert, will take place at the John Peel Centre on Saturday, October 6.
A host of up-and-coming artists, including Jessica Richardson of ITV’s The Voice Kids, London-based solo singer James Harper and Essex girl band D’LuXE – who have been topping the iTunes charts – all feature in the line-up.
Gareth Grayston is launching a concert with a host of big names for Stand Up to Cancer. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN - Credit: Archant
Supported by Cancer Research UK, ticket sales and on-the-night donations are set to collect several thousands of pounds for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign.
BBC Radio Suffolk’s Wayne Bavin will be the band’s compare for the evening.
Mr Grayston added: “We’re really excited about this one, I think we could have a record audience. We’ve got some of the biggest up and coming names in the UK to come and perform.”
Recent performances for Diamond, which Mr Grayston manages and sings for, include Anthony Nolan Live – which collected £11,000 – and a private Kick Cancer party.
Manager and singer Gareth Grayston turned to music as therapy and formed Diamond, pictured, after battling bowel cancer. Picture: STEVE PARTRIDGE - Credit: STEVE PARTRIDGE
Tickets for Diamond’s October concert can be purchased from the John Peel box office and online at this link.
