LUHFT Life - Issue 4

Country musician gives back after lifesaving cancer operation Music has always been the lifeblood of 79-year-old Stan Matthews, who picked up his first instrument aged nine to play in a brass band.

So when a cancerous tumour broke his jaw and his life was saved by a 14-hour operation in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the musician decided he wanted to give back to the hospital who enabled him to get back up on stage.

Stan and his band, the Chelwood County Country Music Band, are hosting a charity night including a country dance demonstration and raffle, with proceeds going directly to our hospitals.

“I’d previously been treated for cancer twice before at another hospital in the region. However, after I developed the lump the size of a golf ball on my neck, I was referred to the Maxillofacial unit at Aintree University Hospital at the start of 2020. The cancer had gone into my bone so I needed surgery to remove it,” said Stan, who’s an ex-Royal Air Force Police Officer.

Unfortunately, before his planned surgery could take place, Stan’s jaw broke, and he was brought in for emergency surgery to remove the tumour and repair his jaw. Stan was treated by Professor Simon Rogers, Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon, in an operation that included removing a piece of bone from his leg, shaping it, and replacing it in his jaw.

“Professor Rogers did a world class job. I was then looked after at Aintree for 10 days until I was fit enough to go home. I cannot thank the doctors and nurses at Aintree enough and felt I had to give something in return to the staff who saved my life.”

Proceeds of the charity night will be split between the Head and Neck Centre at Aintree Hospital, and the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital fund.

Professor Simon Rogers said: “I am really pleased to see that since his surgery last year, Stan is now able to get back up on the stage doing what he loves best.

The whole team at the Head and Neck Centre wish him well and really appreciate his fundraising efforts.”

Chelwood County Country Music Band will be hosting their country music charity night on 27 November 2021, at the Metal Box Sports and Social Club in Speke Boulevard at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased by texting COUNTRY to 07919234289 or contact fundraising@liverpoolft.nhs.uk.

LUHFT Life | 7