We wanted to start a fundraising campaign for Neill Duncan- Sax extraordinaire, legendary drummer and percussionist, piano great and all round exceptional human, who is going through yet another cancer battle, albeit a different one than the previous.
Neill is such an inspiration to so many people, keeping his passion for music alive, and inspiring the next generation of students (like my son) with skill and great compassion, and we'd like to do everything we can to help him and his family through this tough time, whilst he undergoes chemo treatment once again.
Neill has given so much to so many others, and so we'd like to do something to return the favour, and support him during his time of need.
We wish Neill the very best, and want him and his family to know that we are thinking of them all.
Any contributions, big or small, would make a huge difference to Neill and his family, and I'm sure would warm his heart knowing there are so many people out there supporting him.
The Backstory
For 30 years, Neill Duncan has made a living playing saxophone, either solo or in bands, but his music career almost came to an end when a rare form of cancer caused doctors in Sydney to amputate his left arm.
Niell says "I'm a musician. I support my family with one tool: my saxophone. So discovering I had cancer in my arm - and then having it chopped off - was a very dark time. It all happened very quickly. After two rounds of chemotherapy at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital I had my amputation the week before Christmas 2012".
Following this, Neill was in a dark place, unable to consider how he would go on playing the music that he loved. Many people worked behind the scenes, and were able to support Neill to have a custom saxophone engineered and built to allow him to continue to play one-handed, which he treasures very much.
Neill has subsequently been involved in supporting and advocating for musicians with disabilities and differences, playing at fundraisers and charity events.
Neill is a wonderful human, and we have him and his family in our thoughts during this time, and wish him all the best for his treatment and recovery following his most recent diagnosis.
All money donated will go straight to Neill's bank account to help reduce any financial pressure whilst he undergoes and recovers from his cancer treatment.
Best wishes Neil