I felt that this was the ideal choir for me because we are all in the same boat: we can lean on each knowing how it feels; we can put fear aside for a while.

Until I joined Bolton Cancer Voices I had lost my confidence in singing: I now get to express my feelings through music and song. The Choir is very rewarding and supportive; and we get lots of laughs!

I no longer feel I have lost my self-worth.

Singing is uplifting and improves feelings of well-being: Bolton Cancer Voices gives us this.

The concerts are a wonderful opportunity to show the world that just because we have or have had cancer, we are still capable of doing enjoyable things and providing entertainment, which I hope is an inspiration to others.

In 2014, I was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder and have subsequently had a number of operations: my wife, Joan, had skin cancer about two years ago. We both love to sing and last year at a Macmillan Cancer Support Health and Wellbeing event, we spoke to Karen about Bolton Cancer Voices: the next week we went along and were made to feel most welcome.

So far, no one has ever asked me about my condition, which I find very refreshing: but I know that if I wish to discuss it they would be very open and helpful, as we’re all in the same boat, so to speak. We would recommend anyone in a similar situation to give the Choir a go.

Only months after my 65^th Birthday, I discovered a lump in my breast. I am a carer for my husband, so was only use to him being ill and needing attention. Following surgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapy I finally finished treatment in 2013. Whilst receiving chemotherapy I was introduced to Karen, which led me to join Bolton Cancer Voices. I had spent the last 40 years involved behind the scenes in local theatre but had never dreamed of appearing on stage, singing! However, the direction and enthusiasm of Clive and Karen was infectious and I persevered.

Through the Choir, I met others going through chemotherapy and the endless round of hospital appointments and they have become friends: Monday evenings are a time to put all else aside, have fun and share the pleasure of music.

When my husband was hospitalized for 4 months, the empathy of fellow Choir members helped me through my depression and sadness

My cancer is rare, they say there’s a one in a million chance of getting it; it’s called Pseudomyxoma Peritonei or PMP for short.

Because it’s rare there are no local support groups and the only time I have met anyone else who suffers from it is when I’ve been at the Christie, having treatment.

That’s where Bolton Cancer Voices comes in. We don’t really talk about cancer at the weekly rehearsals but for once I’m not the odd one out and I am with people who understand and have been where I’m standing.

Singing makes me feel good and I have got to know some of the members very well. Everyone’s really friendly and Karen, Clive and Mark are great. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed: and you may love it!

Meeting and singing with the other Choir members helped me during a very difficult time.

The Choir has been such a positive experience in my recovery. I never thought I would sing again!

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2012 and suffered with depression for a long time post treatment.

I wanted to join a Choir that I could relate to, so Bolton Cancer Voices was ideal. It’s a very warm and welcoming group, who want to make a difference for themselves, the people of Bolton and the voice of cancer: from the moment I stepped through the door I was made to feel part of something special.

My involvement has given me positivity, relaxation and confidence: the Choir has helped me to centre my world; be a part of something brilliant and worthwhile and made me feel happy with life again.

Don’t be afraid – think positive – and step out in to life again.

I completed my treatment for bowel cancer in February 2014 and joined Bolton Cancer Voices in April 2014: it was a night out, a way of picking myself up.

Come on, join us: sing at the top of your voice; shout at the world that you’re still here!

Bolton Cancer Voices is a group of happy, positive men and women, who intend to enjoy every minute of each rehearsal: we get so much joy from singing.

DO JOIN US.

I was diagnosed with Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinaemia – a rare type of cancer, in 2016 and joined Bolton Cancer Voices the following month.

I didn’t take the initial diagnosis too well: my chemotherapy treatment was every 3 weeks but the support of the Choir gave me extra strength to get through everything. Allowing members to sit down during performances, if we need to, meant I could take part in the concerts despite my health issues. I am now in remission and thoroughly enjoying being a part of this wonderful Choir.

Rehearsals are one of the highlights of my week; I always look forward to attending. Choir members regularly experience things, which we would never have dreamt of!

As a group we share our love of singing / performing, as well as having a common bond through cancer: I have received treatment for both skin and endometrial cancer.

Being a member of Bolton Cancer Voices has definitely added to my life in a most positive way.

Music, especially singing, is such a healing experience. Never having done anything like this before, it took a while to build my confidence but now I can begin to remember words and notes and it’s an exciting, exhilarating feeling when we get it right.

Being in the Choir gives me something completely new to focus on and to look forward to each week.

I had wanted to join a Choir for some time but felt apprehensive: when I heard about Bolton Cancer Voices it seemed to be a Choir I could connect with and that’s proved to be the case.