Connor's nod to pop star Ed raises funds

A Preston teen's homage to pop superstar Ed Sheeran has raised vital funds for a Lancashire boy fighting a cancer battle.
Teen musician Connor BanksTeen musician Connor Banks
Teen musician Connor Banks

Talented musician Connor Banks hosted his own charity concert for youngster Charlie Procter at a packed-out Walmer Bridge Village Hall.

Four-year-old Charlie, who has suffered tumours on his liver with cancer also spreading to his lungs, requires a trip to the United States for further treatment.

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Hutton Grammar School student Connor featured on the bill of the Singing for Charlie event in Chorley earlier this year and was inspired to host his own gig.

The kind-hearted 14-year-old, along with guest singer Kate Grace and artist Beth Soothill - who offered gig-goers face painting of the superstar singer’s “divide” symbol, raised £1380.

Connor’s mum, Jenny Banks, said: “Connor does a lot of charity work and was asked to sing at the event in March and got to know Charlie and his story.

“He went to see Ed Sheeran and he came up with the idea and asked us to book a venue. We ended up selling about 160 tickets.

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“Connor normally does a range of songs but he did just Ed Sheeran ones - apart from one of his own - as he’s so popular and (Connor) thought that’s what would attract people to come.”

Jenny, whose family lives in Little Hoole, said she was proud with what her son had achieved to help out such a worthy cause.

She added: “It was lovely because people were coming up to say they would pay the money for the tickets just to watch Connor.

“For us, the main thing is that Connor is enjoying himself playing the music and is happy."

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Charlie, from Accrington, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer called hepatoblastoma (stage 4 liver cancer) last year.

He has undergone multiple gruelling sessions of chemotherapy. And his family is waiting to hear from specialists in the US about a trip for crucial treatment, made possible by fund-raising efforts like Connor’s.

If you would like to help the family, go to the Facebook page - @CharliesChapter - or donate via their Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme.com/mkwze3tg