THE BIG C AND ME
Date Posted: 30-06-2016
Following the BBC Documentary series ‘The Big C And Me’, which depicted the stories of a number of cancer patients including Sally, from North Wales, who rejoiced in singing in a local Choir for people affected by cancer, Bolton Cancer Voices are renewing their invitation to cancer patients and cancer survivors across the region to experience the joy and power of singing for themselves by joining their inspirational Choir.
The North West’s first dedicated Choir for cancer patients and cancer survivors is now four years old and accepts people from any geographical area, as long as they can get to Bolton for rehearsals.
Some members are currently in treatment and rehearsals provide a fun, uplifting weekly distraction; a sense of normality during what can feel like a very surreal period in life: for others, their cancer diagnosis is now in the dim and distant past. In an environment where there is an appreciation of the physical, mental and emotional challenges that cancer can bring, people come together to share their love of singing.
Membership is FREE: there is no requirement to read music and no auditions to worry about. Whilst some members have a wealth of choral experience, others have never even thought of joining a Choir before hearing about Bolton Cancer Voices.
Under the baton of Clive Rushworth, a highly experienced Musical Director, the Choir has grown in competence and confidence and now receive many invitations and requests to provide entertainment.
Mr Rushworth said:-
‘The key is to make learning easy and fun for all no matter what people’s level of ability or experience. It can feel very daunting when people first arrive and perhaps hear us singing something that has been in our repertoire almost since day one but it doesn’t take long for people to settle in and begin to really enjoy being a part of something very special..’
Bolton Cancer Voices can next be seen in concert at The Salvation Army, in Nelson; their forth concert of the year. With plans already well underway for their fifth Birthday in 2017, there is no doubt that this Choir is going from strength to strength.
Karen Elliott, Founder and Chair of the Choir said: –
‘This is a great time to join us: we’re on an amazing voyage of discovery together, sharing some wonderful experiences.
I’ve said this many times – Cancer brings us together but we are not defined by it; our members never let it stand in the way of them filling rehearsals with song and laughter and living their lives to the full.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, living with cancer as a long term condition, or a cancer survivor, we very much look forward to welcoming you to Bolton Cancer Voices.’
To enquire about membership contact Karen on 01204 595562 / 07773 164235 or email boltoncancervoices@yahoo.com
