Terminal man fulfils wish to see brother's musical

Graham Hopkins, pictured left, says younger brother Ian is "an inspiration"

A terminal cancer patient has reached a goal of surviving to see his brother's musical performed in his home city.

Ian Hopkins, 56, from Coventry, was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus last year and told by doctors months later the disease had spread to his lymph nodes.

He will watch playwright brother Graham's production of Nelly - A Folk Musical, at St Mary's Guildhall on Saturday.

"We thought maybe throughout the year I just might not be able to make it today but I've been... absolutely determined to survive," Ian said.

"I've made it, and that's what counts," he added.

Born with rare genetic disorder Aase Syndrome, which causes anaemia and skeletal deformities, Ian was told by doctors he could not have chemotherapy.

The stepdad-of-three has to have regular blood transfusions and relies on oxygen supplementation to maintain quality of life.

Despite his prognosis, he wants to inspire other cancer patients to try to live life to the full.

"I'm not going to survive forever but every day I always see as a bonus" he said.

Emily Jane Brooks will play the role of Nelly in the play

Graham said it was "a dream come true" to see his production performed in the city and for his brother to attend.

"He's missed the first two tours we did because of his illness," he added.

Coventry-born Emily Jane Brooks, who rose to fame on Britain's Got Talent and plays the main role of Nell, described the performances as "very special".

"We're honouring it to Ian and we're raising awareness," she said, pointing out lilac oesophageal cancer charity badges worn by performers.

Fellow cast member Rob Peach, who plays King Charles II, said: "To be able to do a homecoming for Ian, it just puts a really special stamp on the whole thing."

The musical opened at Hereford Cathedral on Friday and takes in a matinee and evening performance at St Mary's Guildhall on Saturday.