BBC Radio Manchester presenter Anthony H Wilson has been diagnosed with kidney cancer. The legend behind the city's Hacienda club and bands like Joy Division, New Order and the Happy Mondays has had his right kidney removed and is now starting chemotherapy.
The 56-year old is known as "Mr Manchester" for his pioneering work in the music scene there over the last three decades and has been a prominent figure in television in the North West of England as well as radio – he hosted the ITV regional news programme Granada Reports for many years. He rose to fame after presenting weekly music programmes for Granada and subsequently founding Factory Records. A film of his life story, 24 Hour Party People, was made in 2002 and starred Steve Coogan in the lead role.
Tony's health problems were discovered on a recent trip to see his GP, and after having one of his lungs drained a scan revealed that his right kidney was "completely consumed" by cancer. It was then removed at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and he is now set for two five-day spells of chemo at Christie's Hospital.
He currently presents two weekly shows on BBC Radio Manchester – Ground Rules, a one-hour talk sport show; and Talk of the Town, a Saturday morning current affairs discussion programme.
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