The Choir, which aims to provide a positive, motivational
and diversionary environment in which members can have fun, enjoy the challenges and
exhilaration of performing and have a focus aside from their illness; also offers an informal
forum for cancer patients and cancer survivors to meet with others in a similar situation and
benefit from mutual support and understanding.

Each year over 1400 local people receive a cancer diagnosis. The Choir accepts people at any
stage in their cancer journey whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, living with cancer as a
life-limiting condition or a cancer survivor.

Lynne, a breast cancer patient said: -

‘When I was diagnosed with cancer I thought my life was over. The treatment was all-
consuming and I no longer felt I knew how to do anything. I have always loved singing,
music was an important part of my life, it made me feel good, but I never thought I would
sing again.

The Choir has helped me a lot with my recovery; for an hour and a half a week the fact we
have all been through or are still going through cancer is put to one side and the focus is on
music, having fun and feeling better. Clive, the Musical Director is wonderful and through
the Choir I’ve made new friends. I would urge anyone who likes to sing and has had the bad
luck to get cancer to join us. The Choir has added 100% to my quality of life since cancer;
music works wonders.’

The Choir already has a number of appearances lined up during the coming year and is
planning to embark on the recording of a compilation CD with songs nominated by members
as having special significance in their lives.

Karen Elliott Chair of Bolton Cancer Voices said: -

‘Members are finding their involvement empowering, there’s a great atmosphere to the Choir,
people share their highs and lows and have lots of laughs together.

We have exciting plans for the Choir, which include seeing it become 70 strong. We
appreciate that due to their illness or treatment people may not always be well enough to
attend rehearsals but we don’t consider this a barrier to membership and neither should
anyone else.’

In addition to recruiting new members the Choir is also keen to recruit a Rehearsal Pianist
with excellent sight-reading skills and the ability to empathize with the challenges that unite
the membership to work alongside the Musical Director.

The Choir rehearses on Monday evenings, 7.30pm – 9pm at the Friends’ Meeting House,
Silverwell Street, Bolton.

All enquiries to Karen Elliott on 01204 595562 / 07773 164235