FOR Stephen Burton it really will be a farewell gig. The former musician was diagnosed with terminal cancer 14 months ago – and given 15 months to live.

But he is determined to live his remaining life to the full, and that includes one last gig with his old band from the 70s.

The 63-year-old from Woolston went to his doctor last September because he was having trouble swallowing food.

At first he was given indigestion tablets but when it didn’t get better, tests revealed he had oesophageal cancer.

“It was a bombshell,” says Stephen.

“I’d thought I had a stomach ulcer.

You don’t really think anything.”

Stephen has always been an industrious person, setting up his own successful import business, writing two adult novels as well as several concertos and a collection of poetry.

And he decided to make the most of his time left.

“I then decided that I had X amount of time left to get everything in order, which is what I’ve been doing,” he says.

“I put the company up for sale. I’ve just sold it and am finishing work in a few weeks’ time.

“I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

They have been really successful and I’ve felt much better and I think they have bought me more time.

“Being realistic I might get another two years but I think it’s more likely to be another year or so.”

Stephen has worked hard to get his finances in order for his wife and children but he also has a ‘to-do’ list of other projects. These include writing and publishing two more novels – one based on his experiences in the 70s with his band, Noddy Croak, and a children’s book – publishing his adult poetry, recording the music he has written and taking part in the Noddy Croak reunion/farewell gig in the new year.

“I think it’s better to know that you’re going to die. If I suddenly had a heart attack, think of the absolute chaos it would leave my family in, whereas when you know, I think you can come to terms with it.

“You wouldn’t want to go to the doctor and be told you’ve only got two weeks to live but to be told you’ve got 15 months, maybe more, gives you time to sort things out.

“When I die my wife will be financially secure.”

Once he finishes work it will be time to tackle all his other projects.

The Noddy Croak gig in the new year will raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Care, as will a DVD of the evening that the band is planning on having filmed.

“In ten years’ time people can watch it and see me jumping around on stage, being a loony,” says Stephen.

“It would be great if we could raise £2,000 or £3,000 for Macmillan. I haven’t been to them yet because I haven’t needed to but everyone I know who has had cancer has said that when they needed them, they were there.

It would be good to raise money for them before I use them.”

Stephen also plans to spend some time travelling with his wife – Paris, where they spent their honeymoon, is one of the places on the itinerary.

“What I’d like is six months of feeling really well, so my wife and I can go and have a really good time,” he says.

“I’m 63 so this isn’t a sad, sad tale of a young guy. If I can get to 66, it’s not old but it’s certainly not young. I’ve had an interesting life.

“I try to talk about dying as much as I can because I feel it needs to be in the open. It’s inevitable. It’s not going to go away.

“I’m going to face it straight on, I’m not scared.”

  • To find out further details about the gig and when it’s being held, see the Daily Echo over the next few weeks.