MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
16 Jan 2014
The 66-year-old spotted our article on Mal Wood, who is hoping sales of Reaching Out will raise plenty of cash for Macmillan Cancer Support
Legendary Queen guitarist Brian May has thrown his support behind an inspirational charity song – penned by a Disley man suffering from cancer.
The 66-year-old spotted our article on Mal Wood , who is hoping sales of Reaching Out will raise plenty of cash for Macmillan Cancer Support.
After being diagnosed with colon cancer eight months ago, Mal, also 66, picked up his trusty guitar to write tunes revolving around his experiences.
Mal, who idolises May, attends Blythe House Hospice in Chapel-en-le-Frith, where he meets weekly with others suffering cancer at a Macmillan support group.
His song has been played on High Peak Radio and is available for £5.
May, who has been given the all-clear following his own recent cancer scare, tweeted a link to the Express article, saying: “This guy is great! Let’s support his work.”
Mal, who has played for music for more than 30 years, plans to see May in concert at Buxton Opera House in February. He hopes the rock idol might spare five minutes for a chat, but admits his dream would be to play guitar alongside him.
Mal said: “I was amazed when I saw Brian had given me his support, I couldn’t believe it – he’s the reason I picked the guitar back up after my diagnosis.
“I’m very proud of what I’m doing. I’m going through an awful lot, some really hard times, but this has put such a smile on my face.”
Mal has produced two versions of the song – an instrumental track and one with lyrics, sung by his brother-in-law Brian Bell.
“I didn’t want to be gloomy – I wanted to do something positive that would help people,” he added.
“My dream would be to play with Brian, but to even talk to him would be incredible.”
“I’ve picked up so many things musically from him. He’s an inspiration and a wonderful guy.
” Copies of the CD can be bought at the Disley Parish Council offices on Buxton Road, by emailing disley.pc@btconnect.com or at Blythe House reception, Eccles Fold, Chapel-en-le-Frith.
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