WHEN Thornton man Eddie Peacock suffered a debilitating stroke eleven years ago this Saturday (August 19), he feared his music career was over.

But now he is using his one-handed musical skills to raise charity cash.

The stroke had cost him the use of his right hand and, after spending decades performing alongside the likes of Shirley Bassey, Norman Wisdom, Vera Lynn The Nolans and Freddie Starr, 57-year-old Eddie felt as though he had nothing to look forward to.

Yet the prospect of putting on an eight-hour performance at a supermarket in Blackburn today (August 17)) is one which fills Eddie, pictured here practising the piano, with joy.

For him, the performance at Asda is testament to his triumph over adversity -- and his canny knack of playing the piano with just one hand.

While many hands may make light work, just one can do a great deal of good, as the Blackburn Rovers Disabled Supporters Association is about to find out, because all the money raised from his marathon piano session is going into their kitty. Eddie, a member of the Blackburn Rovers Supporters Club committee, said: "Today is about helping other people. So many people have supported me, it is time I gave something back." He added: "I never thought I would play again, but then someone suggested to me that I should try playing with just my one hand.

"I tried it and I enjoyed it, but no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't get my right hand to join in. It is the most devastating feeling I have ever had."

But that feeling of devastation hasn't stopped Eddie, of Belvedere Avenue, pressing on, becoming a music teacher and writing a book chronicling his encounters with the rich and famous which also includes amusing tales about life on the working men's club circuit to boot.

"When I say I am playing with one hand people, for some reason, think I mean just one finger," said Eddie.

"You really can't tell the difference, but for me it will be an achievement.

"When I had the stroke and lost the use of one hand, it felt like my world had crashed around me.

"But slowly, I have started playing again and I hope people will appreciate my efforts ." Eddie added: "I hope to do about eight hours playing but I will be pushing to go all day -- and the store doesn't shut until 10pm.

"For me, it will be a day I won't forget."