Rock star's mercy gig
Rock legend Robert Plant is backing a fundraising campaign to raise £25,000 in three months to save the life of a Kidderminster mother suffering from a brain tumour. The former Led Zeppelin frontman, who lives near Shatterford, was so moved by the plight of his 41-year-old friend Jackie Jennings that he decided to stage a Christmas concert in the town.
Around 600 fans are expected to pack into the town for the concert at Kidderminster Town Hall on December 23.
He will appear on stage with his latest band the Return of the Honeydrippers with all proceeds going towards the fund.
Mrs Jennings, who has a 10-year-old daughter, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2003 and under went surgery in January 2004 to have it removed.
But the tumour returned and doctors say the only treatment now available is a proton beam therapy at a hospital in Boston. The cost is around £100,000 and is believed to offer a cure.
Mrs Jennings, from Hurcott, has already secured £75,000 from her local health authority but must find the remainder of the cash herself.
It is now a race against time to get Mrs Jennings to Boston as every minute is crucial to her survival.
Her family and friends have rallied around to help out and as soon as Mr Plant heard about the cause he immediately got involved.
Family friend and fundraising organiser Joanne Hill said: "Robert knows Jackie from living in the area and as soon as he heard about her he wanted to get involved.
"We are so grateful to Robert because he will give us a good chance of reaching the sum in time.
"Every minute is crucial for Jackie."
By Sol Buckner
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