Piano Grandad
Raising money for Cancer Research UK
In memory of our beloved Alan Melinek, aka Piano Gandad. This hub is here to share his piano performances on Tik Tok, Youtube and to honour his wishes to continue his fundraising for Cancer Research UK. Piano Grandad has captured the hearts of millions across the world in his efforts to fundraise thousands in memory of his wife Pat Melinek who died 17 years ago.
We are so sad to announce that we lost PianoGrandad on 21st October 2022 to his own battle with cancer. Thank you for all your donations and kind messages that continue to come in since his diagnosis. We have promised to continue fundraising in his memory. Please help us honour that promise and help find a cure.
30th March 1936 - 21st October 2022
Speaking this time last year, Piano Grandad said:
“It’s devastating because so many people are affected. But I’m certain that cancer will be cured one day, whether it’s in ten years or 100. It’s in our hands. It means so much to me, but it effects all of us and every little donation, no matter how small, helps.. Just think - if every person who liked the posts donated just one pound - wow - just imagine the contribution that would make to research"
We, his family, would like to make that happen in his memory
About
Alan Melinek, aka ‘Piano Grandad’, raised thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK through his piano recitals in memory of his beloved wife Patricia, who died of ovarian cancer 17 years ago.
When he was forced to stop performing in person during the pandemic, his grand-daughter Bella helped him turn to ‘Tik Tok’.
But in a cruel twist of fate, and after years of fundraising towards life-saving research, Alan himself was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2021.
Despite major surgery and months of chemotherapy treatment, the father of five and grandfather of 15, continued to support Cancer Research UK, determined to hit his £20,000 fundraising target in the charity’s 20th year.
Alan’s commitment to the cause has seen him nominated for several accolades and he was recently shortlisted for ITV’s Pride of Britain Awards.
"I fell in love with the piano when I was evacuated from WW2 London, age 3 and the village pub where I was staying would have big piano sing-songs. I am completely blown away by the generosity, 750,000 views and 25,000 followers. Please donate what you can in memory of the millions of people lost to cancer every year. If we had received just £1 for every view we would be heading towards a whopping million pound donation by now! Please donate at my Cancer Reserach UK page below." Alan Melnek
Spokesperson for Cancer Research UK said:
“Alan went above and beyond for Cancer Research UK and his determination to help our scientists find new treatments to improve survival was unrelenting. Even when he faced his own diagnosis, he remained dedicated to raising awareness and funds to help others." Elisa Mitchell, CRUK
