Sing for Life Christmas Concert

Cancer survivor Martin Richards is singing the praises of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

   Martin (55), from south Belfast, who is largely housebound, said that joining the charity’s choir has given him a new lease of life.

  “Since my illness my world had become smaller and smaller but the choir has opened it up again,” he said enthusiastically.

   The Sing for Life choir was set up in September by Cancer Focus in partnership with the Crescent Arts Centre for people affected by cancer. It now has more than 40 members and is holding its first Christmas concert at the Crescent Arts Centre on Monday 17th December at 7pm. All are welcome.

   Compere for the evening is BBC presenter Noel Thompson, the choir’s patron, and there will also be performances by alt-folk act Malojian and guitarist Brian Keenan.

   Former civil servant Martin said: “I survived bowel cancer 10 years ago but had a colostomy and have suffered debilitating side-effects from radiotherapy and chemotherapy. I also have neuropathy, which affects the nervous system.

   “I don’t get out much and don’t really like computers, so I rely on the TV for company a lot of the time. When I heard about the choir I thought it was something I could be involved with and enjoy.

   “As someone who was once told he was tone deaf and can’t read music, one of the main attractions was that you don’t need to have any musical ability or experience to join. The choir is for everyone, and with any luck, like me, it will draw out talents you didn’t even know you had. I was someone who had no confidence in their ability to sing. Now I’m singing Latin, in harmony,” he said.

   “The choir has given me something to focus on. It gets me out so I don’t feel so trapped in the house. I can talk to other people who have cancer for support and encouragement. My world has suddenly become considerably larger and I feel so much brighter and happier for it. It’s given me an enthusiasm for life again.”

  Liz Atkinson, Head of Care Services, Cancer Focus (the new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation), said: “We are really excited about our first concert and we are looking forward to it.

   “The choir has really taken off and is proving to be very popular with people affected by cancer. It is open to patients, their relatives and carers. You can have a cup of tea, a chat and learn some new singing skills. You don’t need any experience.

   “The emphasis is very much on meeting people and having fun and enjoyment. Research from Wales shows that singing in a choir can be extremely therapeutic for patients as it improved quality of life and self-esteem, and helped with pain relief and coping with depression.”

   Dr Keith Acheson, who is manager of the Crescent Arts Centre, is the choirmaster, and pianist Megan Boyd is also a member of staff at the centre.

Keith said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cancer Focus NorthernIrelandin the formation of this very special choir at the Crescent Arts Centre. We have a lovely Christmassy programme prepared for our first audience including favourite carols and popular music. We hope you will come along and enjoy the evening with us.”

  Tickets cost £5 each and are available from the Crescent Arts Centre box office on 028 9024 2338.

  Anyone who would like to know more about the Sing for Life choir or any other Cancer Focus service is invited to contact Toby Wheeler on 029 9068 0776 or email tobywheeler@cancerfocusni.org.

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 For further information please contact:

Pauline Wylie, PR & Events Manager, Cancer Focus on

028 9066 3281 / 07810 371118

or

Marie Foy, PR & Events Officer, Cancer Focus on

028 9066 3281 / 07736 358692

 Notes to Editor

• Cancer Focus also provides a wide range of free services including a bra-fitting service, yoga, art therapy and journaling, Beauty for Life, information and support Helpline (0800 783 3339), walking groups, Family Support Service and a driving service for patients who need to get to hospital appointments.
•  The Crescent Arts Centre is a diverse community arts centre, situated at 2-4 University RoadinSouth Belfast. It has served the population of the city and beyond for over 30 years with a wide range of arts and cultural activities spanning visual art, drama, music, crafts, theatre, dance and movement. The centre underwent an award-winning £7.2million refurbishment in 2008/10 and programmes high-quality live music, theatre and over 200 weekly classes in all art forms. This project continues the centre’s long track record in community outreach work.