ROCKERS young and old joined forces to help raise funds to bring a radiotherapy centre closer to home for residents in north Wiltshire.

A charity gig, organised by Alan Bone and his partner Ros Menham, who live in Malmesbury, was headlined by 1960s favourites The Tornadoes, who had a number one hit in 1962 with the song Telstar.

Despite their years, The Tornadoes pulled a big crowd and helped raise £3,845 on the night for the Brighter Futures campaign.

The campaign aims to bring a radiotherapy centre to Great Western Hospital in Swindon, saving cancer patients travelling to Oxford and back.

Alan, 60, said: “It was a fantastic night. We raised so much more money than we expected and it was great to hear such positive responses from people.

“I’m really pleased to say that everything we raised is going straight to the radiotherapy appeal.”

The gig took place on October 8 at The Club in Cricklade.

Alan said: “The capacity of the hall was 160 and we ran out of available seating – it was absolutely packed.

“We had the support of local traders and businesses who donated prizes for the raffle and auction. Swindon author Neil Griffiths donated six signed books and Elegant Beauty in Royal Wootton Bassett donated treatment vouchers.

“We were very grateful that all the bands gave up their time, completely free of charge, to come and play for us – especially The Tornadoes, who probably increased ticket sales.”

The radiotherapy appeal is especially important to Alan, as earlier this year he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He has since had an operation to remove it and is determined to do all he can to help others who find themselves in the same situation.

Alan said: “When I was diagnosed, it set me thinking about all those people who have to go to Oxford every day, and it made me want to do something to raise money for the appeal.

“It really brings you up short. In a lot of ways, I felt incredibly lucky because there was something they could do about it – I had options available, and it could have been much worse.

“I have been involved in bands for a good many years and it seemed like a good way of raising money.

“The night was such a success that we are considering doing it again in the future – we’ll have to see if we can get more famous names to play in Cricklade.”

So far £985,000 has been raised for Brighter Futures.

To donate to the cause, visit brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk