When Life Makes You Pivot Sometimes, life forces you to pivot from the path you thought you were on. Trever Lewington, a Byron resident and lead guitarist for the Canadian Celtic rock band Enter the Haggis, knows this firsthand. After 30 years, his band played its last show in the United States (U.S.) this past March, so Trevor could focus on his 12-year-old son, Dale, who is fighting brain cancer. “It has turned our world upside-down,” says Trevor about Dale’s medical journey. “I loved being a professional musician, sharing my songs with an enthusiastic audience, but it’s the right time to be at home.” Enter the Haggis began in Toronto during the late 90s as a group of college kids who loved writing and playing their own Irish- and Scottish-inspired rock music. With some lucky opportunities, including a 2004 PBS special and an appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly, the band began building their fanbase and a successful music career in the U.S. As part of their last tour, Trevor raffled his first-ever electric guitar, an American Telecaster purchased at a Toronto pawn shop, to raise money to help fight pediatric brain cancer. The raffle raised $46,000 (CAD). Trevor donated the money to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada to help fund research, and Childcan, which supports the family with food vouchers, parking passes, and regular check-ins. Support has come from other corners, too. The principal and staff at Byron Southwood Public School, where Dale is in grade 7, have been outstanding at communicating with the family throughout this journey. “Dale’s teacher makes sure he’s happy in class and gets the work to him, even if he’s in the hospital or recovering at home,” Trevor explains. Dale’s classmates also pitch in by sending messages of encouragement when he’s in the hospital and helping him get around in his wheelchair at school. They visit during lunch on Wednesdays when Dale is recovering from chemo. Dale’s older brother, Graeme, also helps to raise money for the Saunders High School Cancer Campaign by selling 3D printed items that Dale’s teacher makes for the fundraiser.
Trevor performing at his last show, March 16, 2025
Every day is different now for Trevor and his family. They often face unexpected challenges, but they make sure they have some fun every day. “After dinner, we always play a game of euchre,” Trevor shares. “It’s been a huge change. We’re much more focused on the smaller picture.” While Trevor has silenced his guitar, he continues producing music from his home studio. Anyone interested in recording can email him at trevorhaggis@gmail.com. For more information on the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and Childcan, visit www.braintumour.ca and www.childcan.com. With files from: CBC, “As son battles cancer, London musician’s guitar raffle raises thousands for charity” www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7513523, accessed: May 9, 2025. Photos courtesy of Bill Bixler / One Awesome Night
Trevor with Enter the Haggis at their last show, March 16, 2025
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Page 7 Byron Villager June 2025
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