The Music of the World Concert at the Palace Theatre raised almost £12,000 for prostate cancer research at Southend Hospital, run by an oncologist who sang.

A night of choir, rock, folk, jazz-funk and Indian classical music at the Palace Theatre has raised almost £12,000 for prostate cancer research at Southend Hospital.

It was the second annual Music of the World Concert, and the trust says it brought together hundreds of guests, performers and supporters from across mid and south Essex. The money will pay for prostate cancer research and innovation at the hospital, which the trust says will help to improve treatment options and results for patients now and in future. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK.

A consultant on stage

The concert was organised by Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, a Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, together with Trevor Taylor, a former urology patient and supporter of the hospital, and his wife, Carol. Volunteers working to improve care for prostate cancer patients helped them run it.

Dr Ahmed did not only organise. He also took to the stage himself during a celebration of Indian music and culture by Anandadhara Arts, singing four semi-classical Indian songs built on a range of traditional ragas and rhythms.

“The money raised will help us continue vital prostate cancer research, offering hope to patients and their families while helping us develop better treatments for the future,” he said.

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this year’s concert. The generosity of our performers, sponsors, volunteers and audience members has been truly remarkable.”

Who played

The rest of the bill ranged widely:

  • Cantare, an all-female choir
  • Rewynd, a young pop and rock band
  • Arfur Do and the Toe Rags, playing folk
  • C-Level 2, a jazz-funk ensemble
  • Anandadhara Arts, with the evening’s Indian music, including Dr Ahmed’s set

The event was backed by Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity. Lucy Thomas-Clayton, the charity’s Director of Charities and Voluntary Services, said: “We are delighted that the second Music of the World Concert has raised so much money for prostate cancer research.

“Everyone involved has created a truly special evening that brings together music, community and fundraising. A huge thanks to the performers, volunteers, sponsors and guests whose generosity will help support vital research and innovation for patients now and in the future.”

What it means for you

The money stays local: it goes to prostate cancer research and innovation at Southend Hospital rather than to a national fund. Anyone who wants to give to the hospitals’ own causes can do so through Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, the same charity behind the £30,181 Nigel Folkard raised for end-of-life care at the hospital.

Figures and quotes are from Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, 26 October 2026.