Actor Sir John Hurt sends best wishes to charity concert organisers

Two-time Oscar nominee Sir John Hurt sent his message of encouragement to members of the Portsmouth Philharmonic and the Meon Valley Orchestras as they prepare for their concert.

The orchestras will perform at the United Reformed Church in Fareham in aid of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.

The renowned actor, whose films include Alien, the Harry Potter series, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, plus many more, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year, and was cleared in October.

In an email to the concert’s organiser Sir John, 76, said: ‘Well “it’s not one you’d choose if you had to choose” my wife said to me when I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year.

‘And she was right – pancreatic cancer has had a bad press but that’s changing.

‘People are surviving, people are living with it and organisations such as PCRF are extremely important in raising awareness and much-needed funds for research into early detection and treatment.

‘Thank you for supporting the PCRF and I hope you all have a splendid evening.’

Organiser Stuart Reed, of Fareham, said: ‘This is a heart-warming gesture from Sir John. It has boosted the morale of the musicians who are working extremely hard to put on a great evening’s entertainment.’

The classical music concert will take place on Saturday, March 5 at 7.30pm in the United Reformed Church, Osborn Road South, Fareham.

The concert will be attended by civic dignitaries from Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport.

All proceeds will go to Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund. Tickets cost £10 – to book call 01329 286256.