A NORTON man who was diagnosed with lung cancer following a car crash has recorded a song to raise funds for charity.

Michael Duck, 73, was being treated in hospital following the accident when an x-ray revealed a large 6cm tumour in his lung.

He said: “It came as a complete surprise but despite the size, I was told it was still early stage and it could be cured.

"The doctors recommended surgery but I had my concerns.”

Michael went away to consider his options and started to write things down in order to get things straight in his head.

The words started to form lyrics – Michael has sung at his local pub and numerous events and charity dos – and soon he had his answer and the essence of a song.

“I decided to ‘do as the others say’ and listen to the doctors so I had the operation on March 5.

"Fortunately, the doctors were confident they got it all and I didn’t need chemotherapy, which is fortunate because as well as having lung cancer, I also have a heart condition and Parkinson’s.

“You’d think losing half of your lung would have a big impact on what you can do.

"I get a bit out of breath but really I haven’t noticed any real difference.”

After his operation, Michael showed the lyrics to a friend, Martin Cook, who set them to music and recorded it on Michael’s behalf.

“I hope my song helps other people with lung cancer – be it with any treatment decisions they have to make or just to let them know there are people out there who understand what they are going through.

“I’d also like the song to raise money for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The charity is doing everything it can to help more people get diagnosed early like I was.

It shouldn’t take a car crash to find out you have lung cancer and, if it had never happened, my story is likely to have been very, very different.”

The CD is £2, and available from Hoppers in Malton.