AN ALLOA man got together with an old band member to throw a fundraising gig for Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

Picking the bass back up after more than four decades, John MacPherson held the concert at the Royal Oak, netting £500 for the urology department at Larbert.

John, who used to jam with band the Citroens back in the 1960s, teamed up with old pal George Nisbet and his daughter Carrie Kilgannon to throw the party.

Carrie herself suffers from melanoma with £1,000 or so raised on the night split between the hospital and the charity Melanoma Me, which supported her.

For John, it was all about giving a nod to the “excellent treatment” he had received, while it was also a great opportunity to reunite with an old pal on stage.

He told the Advertiser: “It was the first time we had played together in 45 years!

“It took a bit of rehearsal to get to that stage – I think the last play I played bass guitar was 36 years ago.

“It was very rewarding, I thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and there’s every chance we could do it again in the future.”

John added: “Thanks to everyone who helped on the night.

“In fairness, George’s daughter Carrie organised the night so thanks to her and thanks to everyone else who helped and donated prizes on the night.”

Following the gig, John this month popped into the hospital to hand the cheque over.

He met Gavin Lam, consultant urologist, who was happy to receive the cheque (pictured) as well as some of the wider nursing and support team who were involved in his treatment.

NHS Forth Valley then issued statement on Twitter, paying tribute to John's generosity.

It read: “Huge thanks to John MacPherson a patient from Alloa who popped into Forth Valley Royal Hospital recently to present staff from our Urology Department with a cheque for £500 – we really appreciate your support.”