Ian Peilow from Waterside in Derry is organising a cross-community variety concert to raise funds for the North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Hospital. The event takes place on Friday March 27 at St Columb’s Cathedral, starting at 7.30pm.

Peilow, who received treatment at the centre after diagnoses of testicular cancer over twenty years ago and a malignant brain tumour six years ago, now lives with effects of an acquired brain injury. He aims to thank those who cared for him through this fundraising effort.

Canon Robert Boyd MBE, Minister of Glendermott Church of Ireland, will host the concert. Performers include Codetta chamber choir, St Columb’s School of Music, Emma Bonner Academy of Irish Dancers, Elizabeth Soyinka as soloist, Sollus Highland Dancers, Hive Cancer Support Choir, North West Cancer Choir, and soloists Susan Wilson and Kieran Connor.

Codetta was founded in 2000 by Musical Director Dónal Doherty. Tickets cost £15 and are available at the door or in advance from Altnagelvin Garden Centre, Cancer Focus on Shipquay Street, Curry’s Spar in Culmore, All Saints Clooney Parish Office, Glendermott Parish Office, Church of Ireland Diocesan Office on London Street, and Another Chance Charity Shop in Tullyally.

The North West Cancer Centre serves Derry and Strabane district council area plus parts of Omagh, Fermanagh, and Donegal. Peilow held a previous concert in March 2023 that raised over £10,000 for the centre.