Stand Up for the King
Ashleigh Burns • Published 17 Oct 2012 09:30
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All shook up: Johnny Lee Memphis supports the national fundraiser.
WORLD champion Elvis tribute artist Johnny Lee Memphis got 'all shook up' and pulled on his best 'blue suede shoes' to highlight Stand Up To Cancer, the new national fundraising campaign involving Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
Jon Fleming, of Coalsnaughton, combed his hair into an impressive quiff to demonstrate one of the ways people can help raise money for vital research and fight against the disease.
All over Scotland, people are planning to stand their hair up on end and create outrageous hairstyles to show their support for Stand Up To Cancer.
And as The King of impressive hair styles, Jon, who is otherwise known as Johnny Lee Memphis, was among the first to take part.
Stand Up To Cancer is being brought to the UK for the first time by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
It will unite scientists, celebrities and communities in Scotland and across the county to generate funds, raise awareness and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
This month, Channel 4's on-air season will build over a whole week culminating in a live fundraising entertainment extravaganza on Friday 19 October.
This is also a special night for Jon, who will be taking Johnny Lee Memphis to Alloa Town Hall for a much anticipated show where he will showcase the King's greatest hits.
The 37-year-old, who won the Elvis World Cup two years ago, has a poignant reason to join the celebrity line up in support of the fundraising drive.
Sadly, Jon's father John Fleming, died when he was just 62-years-old.
His family didn't discover he had cancer until after his death in 2009.
Jon said, "One of the hardest things for me is that my dad wasn't around to see me win the Elvis World Cup.
"He loved my Elvis act and was a big believer in making
the most of every moment and so when I got the chance to start touring across the world after winning, I knew he would have wanted me to go for it."
By night, Jon is Elvis, but by day he works as an assistant manager at the Bo'ness Circuit Health and Fitness Club which is regularly visited by cancer
patients who are referred there by their GPs.
There, Jon's colleagues Barbara McConnell and Suzanne Davidson work closely with
those recovering from cancer with the aim of coaching them back to good health.
As well as organising their own fundraising or hair-raising events, supporters can pop into their local Cancer Research UK shop where a wide range of striking Stand Up To Cancer T-shirts and hoodies are available as well as other accessories.
People can also show their allegiance by purchasing a Stand Up To Cancer Wristband for just £1 each.
They are available at Cancer Research UK shops and will be on sale at Tesco and TK Maxx stores from October.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 17 Oct 12
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