A GRANDAD who survived prostate cancer, has raised thousands of pounds for charity by penning a song during lockdown.

Bob Pickthall, from Glazebrook, teamed up with his musician friend Ian Lawton to co-write the track and shoot a music video.

The song titled When it’s Really Really Over has raised more than £5,000 and describes the happy times we can all hope to look forward to after lockdown.

It was inspired by Bob’s family, including his wife Jenny who is a two-time cancer survivor, and their children and grandchildren, who feature in the video.

Bob wrote the track to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK, which is predicting a 25 per cent decline in its fundraising income due to the pandemic.

He knows first-hand why research into cancer is so vital after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer 12 years ago. His wife Jenny has also been successfully treated for breast cancer and lymphoma, with both surgery and chemotherapy.

Bob, aged 70, said: “Having cancer changed my life forever. I’ll never forget the day the doctor broke the news and that feeling of being in complete disbelief. I just couldn’t believe something like this could happen to someone like me, it was like being in a trance.

“I am living proof of why research into cancer is so important and this song is my chance to give something back. Both Jenny and I are incredibly grateful to the scientists who tirelessly work to develop lifesaving treatments. Without them, we may not be here today.”

Bob, who went to the same school as Paul McCartney and George Harrison, said: “Like many people, I’ve had a lot of spare time during lockdown and decided that I wanted to something creative and worthwhile with that time. This song is about keeping positive and looking forward to the happy times ahead.

“As a lifelong music fan, writing the track has been a dream come true. It’s been a truly collaborative effort with me writing the lyrics and my good friend Ian writing the melody. My musical influences have been wide and varied but it all started with The Beatles.”

Bob has been a dedicated supporter of Cancer Research UK for more than a decade. He has raised £100,000 by organising charity golf days at Mere Golf and Country Club on behalf of the North West Housebuilders.

Watch the video on YouTube by searching IANROB and visit www.bit.ly/3dJNy26 to donate.