Fence man who beat cancer invites 600 people to party (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Fence man who beat cancer invites 600 people to party

2:28pm Friday 30th January 2009

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A PENDLE man who feared he would not live to 60 is enlisting the help of some world-renowned acts to provide a birthday party to remember.

Jim Gardner, successfully fought an 18-month battle with prostate cancer a decade ago, and has always “lived life to the full”.

In honour of reaching 60, he now plans to hold a party at his village home, which will include performances by musical acts from as far away as Peru.

He is seeking permission from Pendle Council for a licence to host the event with up to 600 guests and provide live entertainment for a full 24 hours.

Since he recovered from illness, Mr Gardner, of Higher Fence Gate Barn home, off Croft Top Lane, Fence, has been keen to live life to the maximum.

As well as indulging in extreme sports and hobbies, including water skiing and mountain biking, he has raised a substantial amount of money for charities such as Pendleside Hospice and The Prostate Cancer Charity.

He intends to celebrate the milestone birthday in 2011 by hosting an event “everyone will remember”.

And he will be raising funds for charity by asking his guests for donations.

Mr Gardner, who runs a contract cleaning company and has lived in Fence since 1968, said: “I always said if I made it to 60, I’d throw one hell of a party.

“I’ve always been into the dance scene and used to go to Northern Soul nights when I was younger.

“I’ve asked my son to arrange a mixture of soul music, ethnic music and some acid jazz, but it will be Northern Soul-orientated.

“We’re hoping to put up a large marquee.

“The guests will include family and friends and neighbours will be invited. I want everyone to have a good time.”

The application will now be discussed at a meeting of the council's Barrowford and Western Parishes Committee.

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