Sheffield dad’s Edinburgh Fringe show on male breast cancer set to raise vital funds for Weston Park Cancer Charity

A 59-year-old dad of two from Sheffield is heading to the world’s biggest performing arts festival, to share his experience of breast cancer.

As well as spreading vital awareness, Alan Wake’s debut Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Manogram’ will raise funds for our ‘see it. treat it.’ appeal and Breast Cancer Now.

Alan’s breast cancer diagnosis in April 2025 was the third faced by his immediate family, with his wife Julie having been diagnosed in 2013 and in 2024.

During Julie’s first experience of cancer, Alan also suffered a heart attack – in what was an unspeakably difficult time for the family-of-four.

When a lump suddenly appeared on Alan’s chest years later, he immediately suspected that he too had breast cancer.

Alan and Julie were both cared for at Weston Park Cancer Centre, and thankfully they have both now rung the bell that marks the end of treatment.

Turning adversity into comedy

Alan found that joking with his friends helped him to cope through treatment and recovery.

He kept a note of everything that made him laugh during his treatment experience, and these records formed the foundations of his 45-minute Edinburgh show.

From going through the symptoms of menopause, to the unconventional ways men support each other – Alan’s show is an honest, heartwarming look at how humour can help during adversity.

Although rare, around 400 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.

Alan’s show will spark important conversations around male breast cancer – encouraging audience members to be aware of this form of the disease.

The impact of Alan’s show

Alan is self-funding his Edinburgh show, so all of the proceeds will benefit cancer charities.

The money he raises for Weston Park Cancer Charity will help to bring a revolutionary new MRI simulator to our hospital.

This powerful tool will provide superior scans, which will enable clinicians to more accurately target tumours. This will help to reduce side effects, speed up recovery times, and improve outcomes for local cancer patients.

Speaking about his upcoming show, Alan said:

"It's hard work and of course terrifying, but if I can make people laugh, increase awareness and raise money for Weston Park Cancer Charity's 'see it. treat it.' appeal, then it will all be worthwhile."

Emily Benson, Marketing Manager at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said:

"We're incredibly grateful to Alan for choosing to share his story in such a brave and inspiring way at the Edinburgh Fringe.

“His honest and light-hearted show about his experience of breast cancer will help raise vital awareness and encourage important conversations about a disease that many people don't realise can affect men.

“The money Alan raises will support our 'see it. treat it.' appeal to bring a breakthrough MRI simulator to Weston Park Cancer Centre in Sheffield, helping our clinicians plan more targeted treatments and resulting in fewer side effects for patients across our region.

“Having our charity represented on an international stage like the Edinburgh Fringe is a fantastic opportunity, and we wish Alan every success with the show!"

Tickets are now available for Alan’s show, which will be on from 6th-30th August at The Caves.

To support Alan with a donation, head to: manogram-a-man-with-breast-cancer.raiselysite.com/