Robin Gibb vows to perform for charity despite cancer

London: Cancer-stricken Bee Gees star Robin Gibb is determined to perform at a concert supporting British soldiers next month. The 62-year-old star, who is undergoing chemotherapy for liver cancer which forces him to sleep for up to 14 hours a day, has been given the go-ahead by doctors to perform at the event after a final medical exam on Friday afternoon.

“I’m looking forward to appearing if possible and being able to continue my support for our service men and women,” a leading daily has quoted him as saying. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the dedication and professionalism of our armed forces,” he said. Gibb is set to sing ‘I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You’ with soldiers Ryan Idzi, Richie Maddocks and Gary Chilton in the charitable Coming Home concert on February 13. But the star has told organisers he is desperate to sing Bee Gees classics ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ and ‘Words’ too. Gibb, who was last seen publicly nearly four months ago after appearing on the Alan Titchmarsh show, was not expected to perform until April. The musician, who was promoting the Soldiers’ fundraising Poppy Appeal single, shocked fans with his gaunt appearance. Soon after, he was forced to pull out of two events in a week, including a scheduled visit to Downing Street to meet Prime Minister David Cameron. “Quite simply, it is a miracle Robin is able to perform. He is still incredibly weak and sleeping up to 14 hours a day,” a friend said. “Robin will be literally dragging himself out of bed to do this gig. He is passionate about the charity and wants to do his bit. Our soldiers are modern day heroes but as far as they are concerned, Robin’s efforts against the odds are every bit as heroic It’ll be an incredibly emotional evening,” the friend added. The singer was originally aiming to see his classical number, ‘The Titanic Requiem’, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in April. Instead, he is being cared for around the clock in a desperate effort to be fit for the charity event at London’s Palladium. Gibb is hoping to help raise over 50,000 pounds for the charity - www.coming-home.org.uk - which helps wounded soldiers in the UK. ANI