(Image: AF Photography)
A lifelong devotion to one of Britain's best-known pop voices was repaid in remarkable fashion this week, as Tony Hadley took to the stage for a special fundraiser honouring a fan facing the fight of his life.
The event was held at The Forum in Northallerton last night (Wednesday, September 23) in support of 58-year-old Mike Carr, who was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, helping raise funds for cancer research and local charities.
Mike Carr and Tony Hadley, whose friendship began after meeting following a concert in 1998 (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Mr Carr and his friends and family organised the event to raise funds and awareness, with Mr Hadley lending his support in person and on stage.
Reflecting on the night, Mike said: "It was absolutely unbelievable.
"I can't describe it.
"It was everything we wanted it to be.
"The atmosphere, the gig, the whole evening was very, very special.
"We raised the profile of the charities and Tony Hadley raised his profile of what a fantastic performer he is."
He added: "It's blown everyone away, the charities, my friends, the audience.
"Everyone was just on a high leaving the building saying what an experience it was."
Tony Hadley performs during a fundraising concert for Northallerton fan Mike Carr at The Forum (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
In a press call before the show on Wednesday, Mr Carr revealed he has seen Mr Hadley perform about 150 times.
Mr Hadley responded: "Are you mad, who would want to see me 150 times?
"My wife doesn't want to see me 150 times, that's for sure."
Mike enjoying the show (Image: AF)
He added: "It's been a pleasure knowing Mike over the years.
"A massive thank you to Mike, Sara, family, friends and everyone for inviting me."
Before opening his set, Mr Hadley joked: "I'll be very honest with you because there's a couple of songs here we haven't done for a long time", before encouraging the audience to sing along.
"Let's hope I remember everything", he added.
(Image: AF Photography)
Mike's journey as a fan began in 1983 and was cemented after the two met following a concert in 1998.
Mr Carr said: "I ended up sat at a bar with him after the gig and that became my new hobby.
"I've been all around the country all my adult life watching him sing in front of crowds of 50 people or brilliant sold-out shows at the O2.
"It's been an important part of my life."
Audience members packed The Forum in Northallerton for the fundraising concert (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
Mr Carr’s health struggles began in December last year.
He said: "I went to make a cup of tea and my right elbow froze and my hand started shaking.
"I went to the doctor the next day and they sent me to physio.
"I had three sessions and they diagnosed it as a trapped nerve."
Guest of honour Mike Carr watches Tony Hadley perform at the fundraising event (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
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"In the new year, after we thought we'd fixed it, it happened again."
Eventually, Mr Carr was admitted to hospital, where he was told he had a brain tumour.
The event raised funds for future cancer research, with all profits from the event donated to Friends of the Friarage, Lincoln County Hospital’s Radiotherapy Department, and Prostate Cancer UK.