Coronavirus: Return of The B of the Bang in charity gig for Southsea dad-of-three with brain tumour cancelled

A CHARITY gig that would have marked the return of a popular band and raised cash for a family in a time of need has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
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The B of the Bang were set to make their return to the stage at The Wedgewood Rooms on Friday to fundraise for friend Jody Sexton, from Southsea, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the end of last year and was given 18 months to live.

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But the pair were left shocked when friends, family and strangers came together to help them raise nearly £14,000.

Husband is Jody Sexton who has a brain tumour and their child is Indio, 3.

Images From: Elle SextonHusband is Jody Sexton who has a brain tumour and their child is Indio, 3.

Images From: Elle Sexton
Husband is Jody Sexton who has a brain tumour and their child is Indio, 3. Images From: Elle Sexton

The B of the Bang frontman Chris ‘Wit’ Whitear and friend of the family decided to reunite the group, which split in 2014, to help raise the final few pennies.

But the band has decided to cancel the show until further notice after the government advised people against non-essential contact due to Covid-19.

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A post on The B of the Bang Facebook page read: ‘We're so sorry to say we're going to have to postpone our reunion show on Friday. The Wedgewood Rooms is our favourite venue in the land and we so wanted to shine a light amongst the doom and gloom.

The B of the Bang, performing on the Fullers Wave 105 Stage in Albert Road. As thousands of people flock to Love Albert Road Day.The B of the Bang, performing on the Fullers Wave 105 Stage in Albert Road. As thousands of people flock to Love Albert Road Day.
The B of the Bang, performing on the Fullers Wave 105 Stage in Albert Road. As thousands of people flock to Love Albert Road Day.
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‘The reality is we'd hate to be irresponsible in these unprecedented times. The very reason we're doing this gig is for our great friend Jody who is halfway through chemo/radiotherapy and therefore immunocompromised.

‘You know we haven't taken this decision lightly and it's weighed heavy on our conscience all week. But we've waited six years to play together again. We can wait a little longer. If there's something we can do to support independent venues during this rough patch, we will do.

‘Take care of each other and we'll be in touch with another date as soon as we can. Tickets are still valid or you can return/refund in the usual way.’

To donate to the Sexton family visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jodysexton

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

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COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

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Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS

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