2p coins 'cured' my crippling arthritis, says Stanmore entertainer (From Harrow Times)

2p coins 'cured' my crippling arthritis, says Stanmore entertainer Johnny Franks

2:15pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News By David Hardiman, Reporter

A Stanmore Second World War crooner says he may make a comeback at the age of 85 after claiming to have cured his crippling arthritis – with 2p coins.

Johnny Franks, of Heronslea Drive, performed for troops during the conflict by playing his violin and singing, later making his living through a jukebox business and touring the USA alongside American actors Telly Savalas and Jerry Lewis, and soul singer Dionne Warwick.

But after years of charity work, he was forced to scale down his efforts in the late 1990s when he developed arthritis in his knees and could barely bend them, struggling to walk short distances.

The father-of-two read that copper can help reduce the stiffness in joints, but instead of wearing a bracelet like other sufferers he decided to try something a little different and stuck 2p coins to the insoles of his colourful custom-made shoes.

Now he claims that the homemade remedy has “completely cured” his pain and wants to share his idea.

He told the Harrow Times : “I was in excruciating pain – I couldn’t even walk down the road to the shops.

“I saw that there was expensive copper heel on the market but I wasn’t going to pay for that – and thank goodness I didn’t.

“The minerals from the copper have absorbed into my knees and I’m cured. It doesn’t cause me any pain at all any more – I’m walking straight and I’m walking well.

“I’m completely free of it.”

Medical experts say there is no scientific evidence that copper offers any benefit to sufferers of arthritis or that it is caused by a copper deficiency in the body.

But Johnny is convinced and is considering taking up singing again to inspire others to become entertainers.

He added: “I must warn you, I’m thinking of making a comeback.

“My philosophy in thinking should inspire others – if I can do it then anyone can. We’ve all got a talent, and I only got where I am through hard work.”

Councillor Husain Akhtar, who represents Johnny’s area, arranged for a bench to be installed in Edgware Road at the height of the crooner’s arthritis so he had somewhere to sit when the pain became too much.

He said: “I’m so proud to have Johnny as a resident in my ward.

“He has a tremendous enthusiasm to benefit the community through his talents which include entertainment and fundraising for charities.”