This month, we’re putting Nigel Pitceathly into our fundraiser Hall of Fame for holding a fundraising piano concert for The Christie Charity at St George’s Church in Tyldesley.
After being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, Nigel was referred to The Christie for treatment. This has involved a combination of tablets and infusions, alongside regular PET scans to monitor his condition. He is currently taking a break from medication following negative side effects from his latest treatment.
Much of Nigel’s treatment has taken place at The Christie’s Tameside outreach clinic and he says that this has made accessing his care remarkably seamless.
Nigel was determined to give something back for his cancer treatment at the hospital so he decided to hold a fundraising event for The Christie Charity. A highly respected piano teacher, Nigel was Head of Keyboard Studies at Chetham’s School of Music for 25 years and has taught generations of talented musicians. This gave him the idea to hold a charity piano concert.
As Nigel was still undergoing treatment at The Christie, he spoke to his good friend Rita from Park Pianos for help organising the concert. Rita took on a lot of the organisation work, and Nigel says he’s extremely grateful for her help.
While Nigel was putting together the lineup of the piano recital, he wondered whether his former student and renowned classical pianist Paul Lewis CBE would be willing to take part. The two had not spoken since Paul left school, but Nigel decided to contact his agent anyway.