A rocking tribute to support cancer research
2 min read 21 July 2025
July is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness month and so we are delighted to share the story of head and neck cancer patient Derrick, who was recently honoured through a surprise fundraising gig with proceeds supporting Peter Mac.
After many years of treatment for tongue cancer, beloved Gippsland musician and entertainer Derrick was celebrated in style with a surprise tribute fundraising gig organised by his friends.
Diagnosed in late 2020, Derrick was first told that that his tumour had grown too large for surgery, that he had limited treatment options, and that he only had months to live. Derrick received radiation therapy and chemotherapy to treat his cancer. He began to have trouble eating and had to rely on liquids through a feeding tube.
“At his birthday party, he had to watch everyone else eat while he could only enjoy custards,” says his wife, Rosie.
Derrick’s cancer responded to treatment, and after about a year, he was eventually able to start eating solid foods again. But in late 2022 – about two years after first being diagnosed - his tumour had started growing back, and he has been receiving immunotherapy ever since.
Although Derrick has faced many challenges throughout his cancer journey, his love of entertaining stayed strong, and he soon found his way back to the stage performing with bands and DJing. A natural showman, his ongoing dedication to the local music scene sparked Derrick’s friends and bandmates to honour him with a surprise fundraising gig.
Held at the Mitchell River Tavern, who generously donated the room for free, the gig drew a large crowd of 90 people after Derrick’s friends promoted it through Facebook and word of mouth. Funds were raised through tickets and raffles, and specially-made band t-shirts for his band ‘Derrick and the Sylvesters’ proved a hit with the crowd.
Derrick came to the gig prepared with songs, jokes – and a bright orange suit. He was quickly moved to tears when he realised the night was a tribute to him. When his bandmate asked him to come on stage, he leapt at the chance and delighted the crowd with music and laughter.
At the end of the night, Derrick’s friends had raised almost $3000 towards cancer research at Peter Mac. Rosie describes Peter Mac as being ‘like a best friend’ to Derrick during his treatment, and says they are also grateful to Derrick’s friends for fundraising for Peter Mac and giving him the chance to shine on stage again.
A huge thanks to Derrick’s friends for their generous fundraising efforts, which highlight the power of community in making a difference for the future of cancer research. If you are interested in fundraising for Peter Mac, please visit our community fundraising page: Fundraise for Peter Mac
