Band’s drummer is on charity beat
THE drummer from Stockport band Blossoms is among those to have pledged their support for a campaign to raise funds for The Christie.
Dionne Cyprus from Manchester, a keen drummer herself, has enlisted the help of Joe Donovan - along with Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Nick Mason from Pink Floyd - for her campaign, which she has called ‘Beat it!’.
The 39-year-old photographer wants to raise cash for the hospital to say thank you for the treatment her husband Chris received there for testicular cancer, and also to raise awareness of men’s cancers.
She said: “After witnessing my husband’s struggle through two separate incidents of testicular cancer involving radiotherapy and surgeries in 2003, I decided to give something back to the hospital that helped us through such a difficult time.
“Chris is now in remission and we will forever be grateful to the staff at The Christie for their professional and empathetic approach to his treatment.”
Dionne has set herself a fundraising target of £50,000, which will be donated to the advanced urological cancer team at The Christie, which specialises in prostate, kidney, bladder and testicular cancers.
She has shot photographic portraits of the drummers involved, which she plans to exhibit at an auction along with signed drum kit.
“The Beat it! project began last year when I came up with the idea of combining my love of drumming and photography to raise funds for, and awareness of, men’s cancers,” she added.
“In order to make my vision a reality, I need help from drummers far and wide who are willing to give up a small amount of their time and fabulousness to sit for a portrait for this very worthwhile cause.”
Chris said: “Dionne was my rock when I suffered with my illness both emotionally and physically. Along with the fantastic staff at The Christie, she helped me through a very rough time.
“At the time of my treatment for the second tumour we were warned it might impact on our ability to conceive as I had to have both testicles removed.
“However to our delight in 2009, after undergoing IVF treatment, Dionne became pregnant with our son, Drew, who is also now a keen drummer.”
For more information on the campaign visit beat-it-project.org.