A poet who suffers from Parkinson’s and has been diagnosed with cancer ran a charity poetry night in Radcliffe for two charities close to his heart.

John Dawson, of Canon Street, Radcliffe, held the event at Radcliffe Civic Suite, and helped to raise £160 for Bury Hospice and Parkinson’s UK.

The 75-year-old self-publishes poetry books to help raise money for charity, and says his witty work is influ-enced by the work of Pam Ayres.

His collection of poems, entitled Mirth and Verse, is available to read in Bury Library, and contains poems influenced by politics and the world around him.

John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 10 years ago, and says the illness inadvertently created a passion for poetry.

He said: “Six years ago, I was going through a bit of a bad patch. I just wanted to stay in bed, and my wife said if you just want to lie there you should write something while you are there.

“I started doodling and then these poems just came. I don’t know where they came from.

John says that, after receiving treatment for the condition, he was told by doctors that his medication may have also contributed to his creativity, as it was stimulating parts of the brain.

He is now undergoing treatment at The Christie hospital after finding a lump on his neck in July, but is continuing his charity work.

John produces a calendar every year which features one of his poems on every page, and helps to raise money for both charities.

The charity night included performances from 10 poets who read out their own original poems, as well as live music and a singer, with more than 50 people in attendance.

He hopes another night will take place in January.

For more information about the calendar: call John on 0161 725 9506.