A father and son who have released a CD with the backing of legendary Weston actor John Cleese have nearly sold out - thanks to the Weston & Somerset Mercury. Chris Manners, aged 65, and son Jonathan, aged 27, both professional musicians, were diagnosed w

A father and son who have released a CD with the backing of legendary Weston actor John Cleese have nearly sold out - thanks to the Weston & Somerset Mercury.Chris Manners, aged 65, and son Jonathan, aged 27, both professional musicians, were diagnosed with cancer within a year of each other. Having undergone major surgery and chemotherapy treatment, Jonathan, a classical music agent, decided during the final stages of his treatment to produce a CD of Christmas carols in aid of Cancer Research.He brought in more than 30 top musicians for the project, including Catrin Finch, the former harpist to Prince Charles and Howard Goodall, who composed the theme tunes to The Vicar of Dibley, 2.4 Children and Blackadder.John Cleese, who grew up in Weston, said: "Supporting the work of research charities is an investment in all our futures and I am delighted to support this CD. Jonathan and his friends have worked hard to produce this wonderful recording and I hope everyone enjoys it, knowing it is also helping a great cause."Jonathan appeared on the front page of last week's Mercury after being tested for radiation poisoning in the wake of the death of former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko.Following the story, Jonathan received a barrage of media requests for interviews, both locally and from the national press. He said: "After all the cancer treatment I've had this year, the radiation scare was the last thing I needed, but the upside of that is that sales for the disc I conducted for Cancer Research UK have gone through the roof. "We'd already sold over 1,000 copies and secured a re-release, but now we've nearly sold out. I think people are reassured all the money they spend on the CD will go to the charity, rather than paying expenses and fees. "Everyone involved gave their time for free, so the only people benefiting from this bizarre series of events are Cancer Research UK. For me, that's the most fantastic news, especially at Christmas". Cancer Research UK is re-releasing the CD next Christmas at over 600 shops nationwide. Jonathan concluded, "I'm so proud to be able to tell journalists from the national press that this disc was recorded in Weston and features local talent. Everyone assumes things like this are all produced in London, but this is very different. I'd also like to thank the people of Weston for embracing this project."The CD is available in Weston at Waterstone's in the Sovereign Shopping Centre.