Ed Sheeran among stars sharing unseen gig footage to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust

Unseen footage of stars from Ed Sheeran to Sir Paul McCartney will go online to help the Teenage Cancer Trust raise money after concerts were cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The charity had planned a series of sold-out shows for March in its 20th anniversary year with the aim of raising £1m.

Now stars including Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, The Who and Stereophonics have given permission for the charity to show unseen footage from their previous live gigs and waived all fees.

The streaming content will be free, but fans are being encouraged to donate to “provide a lifeline for teenagers with cancer”.

The artists have also donated personal items to a raffle, hoping to raise extra money.

The Who’s Roger Daltrey, a Teenage Cancer Trust patron, said the isolation experienced by people during lockdown is not unusual for some of those undergoing cancer treatment.

“Without the environment and services that Teenage Cancer Trust provide within our NHS, specifically for this age group, isolation throughout their lengthy treatments becomes a strong possibility,” he said.

“Through Teenage Cancer Trust, the UK has led the world in recognising the specific issues that this age group with cancer suffer, please donate generously to make sure this vital work continues through these difficult times.”

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The charity’s chief executive Kate Collins said the music industry has always been one of her organisation’s “strongest supporters”.

She added: “Fears about the future, as treatment takes its toll, are exacerbated by the isolation many face, and these have been heightened by the current pandemic. They need us now more than ever.”

The online streaming will be available between 8 and 18 October via the charity’s YouTube channel.

(c) Sky News 2020: Ed Sheeran among stars sharing unseen gig footage to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust