Former Toronto mayor Rob Ford sings on track in support of fight against cancer

TORONTO — Rob Ford is lending his voice to a song in support of the fight against cancer.

In an online music video, the former mayor of Toronto — who is battling a rare form of cancer himself — can be seen in a recording booth singing one line on the track “Not My Time.”

The song features 11 other singers from the Rainbow Association of Canadian Artists, a non-profit organization which celebrates diversity in music.

Ford says he’s asking people to put their politics aside and stand behind the cause.

Ford — whose admitted drug and alcohol abuse and outrageous behaviour earned him international notoriety — was forced out of his mayoral re-election bid last September when doctors discovered his aggressive malignant liposarcoma.

He chose to run for city council as he sought treatment and is set to undergo surgery aimed at removing a cancerous tumour next week.

The executive director of the Rainbow Association of Canadian Artists, who co-wrote the song, says he wanted Ford to be part of the project because of his experience with cancer and his “celebrity status.”

Ralph Hamelmann says he hopes the track becomes “a much-needed anthem of hope.”

“Not My Time” will be released on June 22. Pre-orders of the single are currently available online for US$3.49.

Proceeds from the sale of the song will go towards The Canadian Cancer Society and the Rainbow Association of Canadian Artists.