A musical pipe dream has become reality for a former policeman who has raised thousands of pounds for cancer charities.
Inspired by his lifelong love of music, Peter Howe, of Normanby, has just recorded his first CD - at the age of 73.
And inspiring Peter all the way is his granddaughter Laura, 27, whose successful battle against leukaemia continues to fire his determination to support young people’s cancer charities.
Proceeds from the 12-track CD, Pipedreamer, will go towards leukaemia and cancer charities, including a cause children’s nurse Laura has backed for years, the Newcastle-based Toma Fund. And helping such good causes, says Peter, continues to be a driving force in his life, with Laura last year celebrating 10 years of being cancer-free.
For the past 23 years, keen cyclist Peter - who once battled kidney cancer - has travelled the world on two wheels, sometimes with wife Barbara and often performing music gigs along the way.
He’s been to all corners, including the USA, Vietnam, Mexico, Isarel, Jordan and large chunks of Europe. And on his return, he regularly gives talks about his exploits to groups across Teesside and beyond.
His talks usually feature music, with Peter performing self-penned songs and cover versions while playing his guitar. And now, having recorded Pipedreamer with help from Redcar musician Bob Fortune, he hopes to raise even more charity cash.
He said: “Being invited to give talks, tell stories and perform music gigs over the past 23 years, I’ve been able to share the stories of the motivational and inspirational folk I’ve met on my cycle challenges.
“This will hopefully continue to provide me with audiences who, I hope, will be interested in purchasing Pipedreamer.”
But ask Peter the main motivation behind his fundraising talks - he does around 85 a year - and you get a one word answer. “Laura,” he says. “When she came along, everything meant a great deal more. Now, if I can help what she does, that will do for me. She’ll call me up, say ‘grandad’ and I’ll know she has something up her sleeve! But she knows that whatever it is I might be doing, some of my funds will go in that direction.”
* Pipedreamer costs £10, available at Peter’s talks or from peter.howe315@ntlworld.com
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