A CANCER survivor is supporting the appeal for a new treatment centre in Colchester.

Grandad Terry Wilby, of Greenhurst Road, Brightlingsea, went to the doctor’s suffering from a bad back.

However, it was discovered he was suffering from prostate cancer.

Mr Wilby, who used to run Brightlingsea’s Colne Yacht Club with wife Rowena, said: “I had a back ache, but it wouldn’t go away when I took tablets.

“I went to the doctor’s and they carried out tests. Unfortunately they found I had prostate cancer.”

Mr Wilby, 74, responded well to tablets and injections.

He also agreed to take part in a clinical trial to try to find new treatments.

He said: “Being part of the trial means I had to go to the radiotherapy centre for 30 days in a row.

“While I was there I met people who were also having chemotherapy and they had to trundle from one part of the hospital to another to have treatment.

“The radiotherapy centre is excellent, one of the best in Europe, and the people working there are amazing.

“It makes sense to have cancer treatment in one place, so I am trying to raise some money.”

Mr Wilby is staging a night of entertainment to boost the coffers.

It will be held at the Colne Yacht Club on April 11 and include bands, country music and music from the 50s to the 70s.

The new cancer centre campaign aims to raise £4.5 million to create a centre which will allow all cancer treatments and support groups to be brought to one place.

So far, more than £700,000 has been donated or pledged, but more money is desperately needed.

Tickets for the night of entertainment at the yacht club cost £15 from Mr Wilby at willex8@hotmail.com