Russell Watson creates medley in his will for cancer charity

Opera singer Russell Watson, who has survived two brain tumours, has created a new compilation of his songs to be released posthumously for charity.

He has written the unreleased track into his will as a gift for Worldwide Cancer Research to help fund "pioneering work" into new cures.

The Salford-born singer, 56, said he wanted to help others "overcome a life-threatening diagnosis" just as he did.

He had a brain tumour in 2006 and then again a year later.

Watson said: "My diagnosis changed everything - all I could think about was how my wife and daughters would survive without me.

"It was difficult to see beyond my illness at the time, but to be alive and healthy 15 years later is something I'm eternally grateful for.

"Often when we are writing wills we think about those closest to us.

"But a will, much like a piece of music, has the power to touch the lives of so many more."

He said he wanted others to "receive the kind of life-saving treatment that I did, to give that gift of time for which I'm so grateful every day".

Watson added: "Leaving this track in my will to support the pioneering work for new cancer cures is hopefully a powerful reminder of the legacy we can all leave behind."

The compilation was created to remove the taboo around post-life planning and shine a light on how leaving a will "can touch the lives of others".

Worldwide Cancer Research Chief Executive, Helen Rippon, said: ""We're hugely inspired by Russell's story and are delighted to receive such an incredible gift from him to shine a light on our charity, and hopefully bring us closer to a day when no life is cut short by cancer."

UPDATE - 18 September 2023: An earlier version of this article stated that Russell Watson was going to be releasing a new song. Mr Watson's representative has said there are no such plans.

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