Sarah HallA man who survived prostate cancer is a step nearer forming a new charity to help tackle male cancers after a charity concert helped raise thousands of pounds.Sarah Hall

A man who survived prostate cancer is a step nearer forming a new charity to help tackle male cancers after a charity concert helped raise thousands of pounds.

More than 300 people attended a concert at the University of East Anglia on Friday night, which Mel Lacey, 61, organised to pave the way for a new charity.

Former Norfolk police officer Mr Lacey has vowed to launch a Blue Ribbon Foundation (BRF) for men to emulate the work the Pink Ribbon Foundation has done for women in their battle against cancer.

Late in 2008, Mr Lacey's world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The father-of-two and grandfather-of-one, who lives in Norwich, was referred to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, where the cancer was diagnosed and treated.

But he now wants to help other men who find themselves victims of cancer and needs to raise between �5,000 and �10,000 to get it started.

Friday night's concert collected around �3,000 towards that target. The gig at the UEA's LCR was headlined by Hollow Earth and The Harvs, who agreed to appear for free, while BBC Look East's Stewart White also made an appearance to support the campaign.

Mr Lacey, 61, who is now a freelance media solutions consultant, said the event, which was sponsored by independent financial advisers Smith and Pinching, had been 'brilliant'.

He said: 'It was a fabulous night and I'd like thank every single individual who spent �10 on a ticket or who has made a donation to us.

'The next step is for me to go to the Pink Ribbon Foundation and find out about registering the Blue Ribbon Foundation as a charity.

'Ultimately, I would love to have an all-singing, all-dancing website where people can find out all about male cancers and possibly ask questions of medical professionals who could respond to them.'

Anyone interested in supporting the Blue Ribbon Foundation should contact Mr Lacey via mel.lacey@talktalk.net

Are you raising money in memory of a loved one or friend? Call Evening News reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk