MUSIC means the world to Melbourne singer & songwriter Martin Mahy and he will not let the onset of cancer related illness and setbacks stop him one bit.
Recently, the musician organised a benefit concert for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation attended by a large crowd of young music enthusiasts at the school hall of the De La Salle College in Malvern Victoria.
The De La Salle school community has had a number of people affected by cancer over the years and Martin had the full support of the schools’ teachers, parents and students behind him.
Despite the fact that he himself is battling serious lung and liver tumours and regularly undergoes chemotherapy, Mahy took to the stage to perform with a drummer and lead guitarist in his band Mayhem.
Other acts on the bill included RadioStar, Choice Cuts and young sensation Balthazar Twins.
Mahy, who has also been a 13-year Physics teacher at the school, said he wanted the funds raised to go to a credible institution and therefore chose the ARCF.
“We didn’t raise a fortune but still considerable funds were generated from our show,” he said. “I wanted the money to go to someone who would use it well and the ARCF was recommended to me. I checked out its website and was suitably impressed, it seemed like the real deal for me.’’
Mahy said the ACRF spokesperson Kathy Rendell had attended the event and spoke to the crowd of music fans.
While the show was a great success the musician confessed he was regularly affected by the onset of cancer.
“I’m not floating on air by any means” he said. “I have a course of chemo every three weeks now that I have to adjust too. Unfortunately I have developed multiple tumours in my liver and lungs but regardless I am still totally into my music. It means everything to me,’’
Mahy has also pointed out his particular interest in the research that is being undertaken by Professor Liu at Monash University, as it relates to his particular type of cancer.’’
And he is keen to organise another benefit for the ACRF at the start of the next school term with a new line up.
Interested musicians wishing to assist him can call him direct on (03) 9776 8056 or 0410 598 913
Or email him at mmahy@dlsmalvern.catholic.edu.au
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