A PERFORMER best known for his Elton John tribute show has delivered his two-hour 'Rocket Man' show more than 100 times since being diagnosed with cancer.

Andy Crosbie, who has forged a national reputation for his act since he first donned Elton's trademark coloured specs and straw boater in 2002, has revealed the gruelling and invasive treatment for advanced prostate cancer have not stopped him doing what he loves.

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The 51-year-old who is well known in the pubs and clubs around East Lancashire, said 'being on stage is the thing that has been keeping me going' since he was diagnosed 10 months ago.

He has undergone 39 sessions of radiotherapy, oral chemotherapy and receives hormone injections every two months.

The popular performer, who has given his time free to put on hundreds of shows for charity, was the guest of honour at a special night put on by his friends and fellow tribute acts.

Andy, who lives with his partner Emma Buckley, in Meadow Head Lane, Darwen said their efforts had given him an 'overwhelming boost'.

He said: "After the diagnosis I decided the show must go on and I've not missed a booking since.

"With all the treatment it does take it out of me but when I'm on stage I've never felt more alive.

"We have a touring van because I take a white baby grand piano and sound desk with me and on a few occasions I've collapsed into the passenger seat after a performance.

"It's worth it to me though because I enjoy it so much."

Led by licensee of Blackburn town centre pub The Clifton Arms, Carole Davis, Andy's friends secretly organised for 10 tribute artists to perform at St Paul’s Working Men’s Club, Montague Street, Blackburn.

In front of a packed house of around 180 people acts emulating Keith Lemon, Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, Rick Astley, Meat Loaf, Taylor Swift, Adele, George Michael, Freddie Mercury, Billy Idol and Gary Barlow all took to the stage.

The proceeds were of £1,802 were given to Andy last week at The Clifton.

He said: "I had no idea it was happening. My partner, Emma told me we were going for a quick drink and then when we went in the club it was full of all my wonderful friends and other acts.

"I was simply overwhelmed, it hit me at the core of my being and I felt so cared for and loved.

"To give me a leg up like that was something I never expected and all those involved are truly special, kind and mean the world to me."

Since his diagnosis Andy has also performed around 10 charity shows raising more than £49,000 for cancer charities.

Carole Davis, from The Clifton Arms, said: "Andy is a superstar in every sense of the word.

"He is a brilliant performer and the work he does for charity is not recognised enough.

"He's so generous with his time and will organise a charity show and get some artists at the drop of a hat.

"If it's for charity he won't take so much as a bottle of wine for his trouble.

"The customers here and the other artists know he's not been so well and wanted to give him a boost.

"It was a terrific day full of music and laughter."

Andy, who has played theatres such as the Royal Mint London and has done summer seasons at Blackpool and toured Europe and the USA, said in the past fortnight he had been given some encouraging health news.

"I've been told I'm in partial remission but that the hormone treatment which takes all the testosterone away from me and wipes me out will continue for another two years.

"I'm taking it one day at a time but I'm sure with the support of my wonderful family and friends things will be okay."