Octogenarian Ted Selby has bowel cancer and was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.
But the 87-year-old Bury Hebrew Congregation founder does not let illness impact on his charitable fundraising.
And after raising £34,000 through charity performances for the care of the terminally ill at Bury Hospice, his efforts have come to the attention of a subject of Channel 4's Secret Millionaire series.
In the episode being broadcast on Sunday, hair stylist Lee Stafford goes undercover to find projects he can help locally.
In line with the series' format, Mr Selby was not initially aware that his new friend was a successful businessman.
"But we sat down and he asked: 'What would you like to raise?' I said it was hard to raise the money.
"All of a sudden he gave me a cheque for £16,000. I was crying, I didn't expect it. I think Lee was crying a bit as well."
Mr Stafford's gift took Mr Selby's fundraising up to £50,000. The businessman complimented him as "a huge inspiration and a wonderful man who touched me deeply".
Having been recuperating after a lung operation, Mr Selby promises to be back at the piano for more charity concerts within a month.
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