Country musician gives back to Liverpool hospitals after lifesaving cancer operation

Music has always been the lifeblood of 79-year-old Stan Matthews, who picked up his first instrument aged nine to play in a brass band.

The ex-Royal Air Force Police Officer has since played in bands all over the world, sharing his passion for music with others.

So when a cancerous tumour broke his jaw and his life was saved by a 14-hour operation in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the musician decided he wanted to give back to the hospital who enabled him to get back up on stage.

To thank those who cared for him at Liverpool University Hospitals, Stan and his band, the Chelwood County Country Music Band, are hosting a country music charity night with proceeds from ticket sales and a raffle going directly to the Liverpool Trust.

“I’d previously been treated for cancer twice before at another hospital in the region. However, after I developed the lump the size of a golf ball on my neck, I was referred to the Maxillofacial unit at Aintree University Hospital at the start of 2020. The cancer had gone into my bone so I would need surgery to remove it.”

Unfortunately, before his planned surgery could take place, Stan’s jaw broke, and he was brought in for emergency surgery to remove the tumour and repair his jaw. Stan was treated by Professor Simon Rogers, Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon, in an operation that included removing a piece of bone from his leg, shaping it, and replacing it in his jaw.

“Professor Rogers did a world class job. I was then looked after in the Sefton Suite at Aintree for ten days until I was fit enough to go home. I cannot thank the doctors and nurses at Aintree enough and felt I had to give something in return. As I am a musician and run a band, I spoke to the other members and we decided to host a concert to raise money for the Trust.”

Chelwood County Country Music Band will be hosting their country music charity night on 27 November, at the Metal Box Sports and Social Club in Speke Boulevard, with tickets costing £5.

Stan, who is the bass player in the band, said: “I wanted it to be a way of giving back to the staff who saved my life. Proceeds will be split between the Head and Neck Centre at Aintree Hospital, and the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital fund. It’s sure to be a brilliant evening, as alongside the live music, included on the night is a country dance demonstration, raffle and competition for the best dressed cowboy and cowgirl. I really hope that we can raise as much money as possible after a really challenging period for our brilliant NHS staff.”

Professor Simon Rogers said: “I am really pleased to see that since his surgery last year, Stan is now able to get back up on the stage doing what he loves best. The whole team at the Head and Neck Centre wish him well and really appreciate his fundraising efforts.”

If you would like to attend Stan’s Country Music Charity Night on 27 November 2021 at 7.30pm, tickets are £5 and can be purchased by texting COUNTRY to 07919234289 or contact fundraising@liverpoolft.nhs.uk.