HEREFORD Cathedral will host a fundraising concert for Cancer Research UK next month.

The 150-strong Gaudeamus Chorale will perform at the cathedral on Friday, August 17 and proceeds will help fund research into all cancers.

The choir will perform Joseph Haydn’s The Creation, led by Anthony Ogden.

The amateur choir are highly regarded, having performed at the Royal Festival Hall and toured the UK and Europe.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, The Dowager Countess of Darnley will be an event patron.

The concerts are being organised by Cancer Research UK local fundraising manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire James Rogers and Hereford based volunteer Bobbie Heavens.

Bobbie is an active fundraiser for Cancer Research in Herefordshire, having lost her husband to the disease.

Bobbie said: "“This is my favourite special music venue and I have been delighted for the support of many colleagues in sponsorship to ensure that funds go direct to Cancer Research UK from the Concert performance, which takes place at Hereford Cathedral on Friday 17th August”.

It is hoped that the tour will raise in the region of £25,000 for research into the better prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Mr Rogers said: “These concerts are being held in three prestigious venues and are going to be fantastic. They also provide a real opportunity to raise substantial funds helping Cancer Research UK to beat cancer sooner.”

He continued: “One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.

“Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. However, we have only been able to achieve this thanks to the dedication and generosity of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses.”

Concerts will also take place at Gloucester Cathedral on Thursday, August 16 and Tewksbury Abbey on Saturday, August 18. Tickets are on sale now at The Courtyard box office.

For further information contact James Rogers on 07900161844 or email james.rogers@cancer.org.uk