A CHARITY concert to raise funds in memory of a teenager, who lost his battle with cancer in 2011, is just days away from its first stage call.

Members of the Burtonwood Amateur Music and Drama Society are currently putting the finishing touches to their latest performance, which will take place on Saturday at St Michael’s Parish Hall, Burtonwood, and on November 15 at the Burtonwood Catholic Club.

The variety concerts will help to raise cash for The Christie Cancer Foundation in Manchester.

Chairman Brian Maffitt said: "The inspiration for these concerts came from a young man, Tom Paton, who died in 2011, aged 17, after a long struggle.

"He was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 1997 at the age of three and, although Christie’s didn’t offer much hope at the time, they treated him with radiotherapy and, to everyone’s surprise, managed to shrink the tumour.

"As a result of his illness and treatment when he was young, he was a slow starter at school but this seemed to make him very determined to succeed.

"He became a brilliant snooker player, was on school and local football teams and became a black belt at karate."

Despite the regular check-ups he faced, Tom, from Wythenshawe, was determined to live life to the full and excelled at whatever he put his mind to.

But in January 2011, he started to undergo chemotherapy for multiple tumours on his brain.

It was during this time that it was discovered he had Leptomeningeal - a complication caused by the cancer.

Brian added: "He then had his first brain operation. They operated nine times in as many weeks, but through all this, he was very brave and cheerful.

"Christie’s really fought hard to help him but finally they couldn’t do anymore and Tom passed away on March 30, 2011."

Tom's family now hope to raise enough money to get his name on The Christie’s Tree of Life but they need £15,000 to make this happen.

Brian added: "To date approximately £8,500 has been raised and, with the help of the Burtonwood AMAD Society, we hope to get Tom’s name nearer to the target."

For more information or to buy tickets call Brian Maffitt on 07850675922 or e-mail francismaffitt@aol.com.