Up and coming Norwich pop acts put on fundraiser gig for musician with cancer

Let's Eat Grandma members Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth backstage at the Billy Clayton Fundraiser at Epic Studios. PHOTO: Sophie Smith (Image: Archant)

Norwich pop artist Billy Clayton was diagnosed with an aggressive bone cancer known as Ewing's Sarcoma three years ago.

Now 21, after years of therapy in the UK, Mr Clayton has been given the chance to receive clinically-trialled treatment in Germany currently unavailable on the NHS.

The problem is the treatment is costly, with no way of knowing how much the 21-year-old will need.

A Gofundme page set up two months ago has already reached £80,000, but Billy Clayton needs £200,000. He said: 'What we've raised so far is really impressive. It's not been too long since the campaign started, which is reassuring.'

Billy Clayton backstage at the Billy Clayton Fundraiser at Epic Studios. PHOTO: Sophie Smith (Image: Archant)

During long periods of treatment Mr Clayton focused upon recording his own pop songs from his house near Duke Street, and has since attracted the attention of prominent artists, including Charli XCX.

Closer to home, Mr Clayton has made friends with Norwich musicians Hannah Diamond and Let's Eat Grandma, two of Norfolk's most up and coming pop acts.

The latter duo is otherwise known as Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth, two 19-year-olds who have already released their second album.

Miss Hollingworth said: 'We wanted to do something else for Billy, and we thought it could be a really positive and fun event. He is a really wonderful caring person.'

Norwich musician Billy Clayton was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma - an aggressive form of bone cancer - aged 18. Photo: Rebecca Lawrence (Image: Archant)

The Billy Clayton Fundraiser was held at Epic Studios, near Anglia Square, with the venue owners hosting the event for free. The line up also included Hannah Diamond and Bessie Turner.

Mr Clayton said: 'There's people here I've really wanted to see live. They are personal friends of mine but I'm also a massive fan of them as artists.

'I think to be real about the cancer experience, a lot of things go on without your control, so I never want to deceive people thinking everyone unwell is heroic.

'When I get asked how I'm coping I usually say it's not a consensual situation. Anybody in that situation would have no choice. It's how you handle it.'

Let's Eat Grandma members Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth with Billy Clayton at the Billy Clayton Fundraiser at Epic Studios. PHOTO: Sophie Smith (Image: Archant)

To donate visit: gofundme.com/life-saving-treatment-for-billy