John Fairbrother, a 65-year-old father from Bootle who moved to Maghull, died after experiencing sudden weight loss earlier this year. He was a beloved figure in the local entertainment scene, performing as TJ Turner in pubs and clubs across Liverpool and Sefton for decades while working as a plasterer.
A Life in Entertainment
Speaking to the ECHO weeks before his death, John said: "It was fantastic (performing in pubs). They were the best years of my life. I've been on telly, been on the radio, done a few variety shows and I've done at least 300 charity fundraisers."
In 2006, John noticed he couldn't hit the notes during performances. He said: "I just couldn't hit the notes. I packed in the singing because I didn't want to sound crap." He was later diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a group of lung conditions causing breathing difficulties, which forced him into early retirement.
Sudden Weight Loss Sparks Alarm
John received devastating news in February 2025. He said: "I suspected I had something wrong on February 1 because I had suddenly lost a lot of weight, 20kg." This weight loss, equivalent to 3 stone 2 pounds, led to a diagnosis of terminal lung cancer with a prognosis of three to six months to live. The NHS notes that unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of lung cancer.
Having been unable to work for over a decade and with no savings, John's family faced financial challenges in providing his care. His son Nathan and daughter Nicole supported him.
Community Support and Final Days
A GoFundMe page was set up to give John "the send-off he deserved." Nathan distributed leaflets to pubs in Sefton, calling his dad "the voice of Bootle." On June 25, Nathan announced John's death the previous night. He wrote: "Sorry it has been a while for an update, the last few weeks were difficult as my dad's health kept deteriorating. Sadly he passed away last night, comfortable, not in any pain and with us by his side."
Nathan expressed gratitude: "I just want to say thank you to every single one of you from the bottom of my heart for the support you've all shown us along this difficult journey to the end. I am eternally grateful and we are confident we can give him the send off he deserves!"
The fundraiser has raised £3,000 so far. Nathan told the ECHO the family is about £500 short of covering funeral costs and further donations are appreciated.
