Roots and folk acts to play at cancer charity fundraising show

STARS from the world of roots and folk music are giving up their time to perform at a day-long fundraiser to help fight a rare form of cancer.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th May 2016, 06:44 BST
Sebbie Smith, three-and-a-half, who has histiocytosis, a rare form of cancer. An all-day event at the Square Tower on June 5 will raise money for HistioUK, which has helped Sebbie's familySebbie Smith, three-and-a-half, who has histiocytosis, a rare form of cancer. An all-day event at the Square Tower on June 5 will raise money for HistioUK, which has helped Sebbie's family
Sebbie Smith, three-and-a-half, who has histiocytosis, a rare form of cancer. An all-day event at the Square Tower on June 5 will raise money for HistioUK, which has helped Sebbie's family

The event is being put on by Square Roots Promotions at The Square Tower in Old Portsmouth, after promoter Ken Brown was approached by the grandparents of a young boy who has been fighting Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

The histiocytosis group of cancers cause the body to overproduce white blood cells which then attack the organs.

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Sebbie Smith, now three-and-a-half, was diagnosed with the disease a year ago after it was found he had lesions in his skull. He has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy and has to have a central line into his chest, which he has called Mr Wiggly, but the long-term prognosis is positive.

His grandparents Jean and Ron Wood, from Titchfield are regulars at The Square Roots shows and wanted to do something to help raise awareness of – and money to fight – the killer disease.

Jean said: ‘He’s a lovely little chap.

‘He will lead a normal life, but he will need to be watched very closely.

‘He’s got a very low immune system, so we’re quite fearful of what might happen if he picks something up.

‘It could come back but we hope and pray that it won’t.

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Ken said: ‘I put the word out and got a really positive response. None of the acts are being paid, not even expenses.’

The afternoon session from midday to 4.30pm on Saturday June 5, is free with a bucket collection. Those appearing include Marion Fleetwood and Gregg Cave, Wood, Wire and Words, and more.

The evening bill, from 6.30 to 10pm, is headlined by The Jigantics with Portchlight Smoker, Jamie Freeman Agreement, Megan Linford and Time Effect. Tickets for the evening are £10 from squarerootspromotions.co.uk Pie & Vinyl or Southsea Gallery.

All money raised will go to Histio UK.

Related topics:Old Portsmouth