ROCK star Mike Peters will today begin treatment to fight cancer. It is the second time the North Wales-based Alarm lead singer has faced the news he is suffering the devastating condition. Almost 10 years ago he was first told he had non-Hodgkins lymphona. Now doctors say he has debilitating chronic lymphocyric leukaemia. The 46-year-old, who lives in Dyserth with his wife Jules and son Dylan, broke the news to his legion of fans through the band's website. The diagnosis was given to him by doctors at the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, where he will begin chemotherapy today. But the singer, one of the founders of the band in 1978 under the name Seventeen, is determined to go ahead with next month's The Gathering in Rhyl, which attracts hundreds of fans. Mike, familiar for his long blonde hair, warns the chemotherapy treatment could mean him appearing bald on stage. On his website he outlined how the disease returned and the treatment he has already received, but assures fans he will do his utmost to overcome the setback. Doctors told him although his condition is not curable it is treatable and his specialist has said it is a disease he will probably die with, rather than of. "I want to reassure all of you that I will be fighting this fight with every ounce of energy I can muster," says Mike.. "I have my wife, Jules, and son, Dylan, beside me and they are reason enough to live for. They have both been incredible. "My outlook for the future is still the same as for any healthy person of my age. The only difference is that now I have to learn to live with cancer." He says the medical team spelled out the risks of infection. Mike says The Gathering is going to be extremely special this year and the title of the band's new album, Under Attack, could not be more apt. "Some of the songs came to me on my iPod while I was in hospital and they gave me a big lift," he continued.. In an upbeat message to his thousands of fans he said: "At times like this you need your family and friends around you and as you are all part of my family I am to keep you as informed as possible. "I have to say that I feel incredibly positive about the future. I will see you all at The Gathering or at a show in the UK. Until then, keep me in your thoughts, you will be in mine." | 
