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Steve Lee (holding CDs) with the Red Hot Bagels

When Steve Lee from Charvil was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, a group of his musician friends wanted to help raise money for research into the disease.

The Reading-based Red Hot Bagels, who play an Eastern European Jewish style of music called Klezmer, have Steve Lee to thank for giving them the confidence to perform in public.

They're now selling their debut album, Big Bang, to help raise funds for research into mesothelioma, which is caused by asbestos.

Clarinet and saxophone player Elaine Guy says: "We first played together at my house in 2002 and Steve suggested we play at social events.

"We might have been too shy to play in public had it not been for him."

She adds: "We recorded the album around the time Steve told people he had the disease, so selling it for his charity seemed the obvious thing to do."

Steve, 63, was diagnosed with the condition two years ago and has decided to dedicate his time to helping the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund.

A long-standing member of the Reading Road Runners club, Steve's already raised more than £11,000 and has run 2009's Reading and Wokingham half marathons in aid of the fund.

"I was most flattered and delighted when they told me what they were doing," says Steve of the Red Hot Bagels, "it was in March on the day I was going into hospital to have fluid removed from my lungs."

Big Bang features 12 tracks of Klezmer music, with eight of the £10 cost going to the charity.

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