The Sutton Sing with Us choir will harness the power of singing to help anyone affected by cancer, where members can look forward to making new friends and receiving support from others in the same position. The choir is open to anyone who has ever had a cancer diagnosis, as well as carers and people who’ve lost loved ones to cancer. All are welcome – whether they think they can sing or not!
In 2010, Tenovus Cancer Care created their first ‘Sing with Us’ choir in Wales. The charity now supports more than 1,200 people affected by cancer across the country through their 17 choirs.
Recent research conducted by Tenovus Cancer Care and the Royal College of Music found that singing in a choir for just one hour boosts levels of immune proteins in people affected by cancer, reduces stress and improves mood, which in turn could have a positive impact on overall health.
If they would like to, members of the Sutton Sing with Us choir have the option of taking part in the next phase of that pioneering research. The research will explore the effect of choir singing on a range of measures, including wellbeing and biomarkers.
The choir will be run by Choir Leader Victoria Hodges, who said: “We’re so excited to be bringing a choir to Sutton. The Sing with Us choir is an amazing way of supporting people affected by cancer, and we know how much our members enjoy being a part. I would encourage anyone who isn’t sure to come along and give the choir a go – we know you’ll love it!”
Nikki Daw joined her local Guildford choir when it first launched in January 2015, after being diagnosed with brain cancer and leukaemia. She has been a regular ever since. She said: “When I joined I thought singing would help take my mind off things. It’s been absolutely fantastic, I always feel so much better once I’ve sung. Even on the days when I don’t feel up to it, I always come away feeling
Details
The charity is encouraging anyone interested in the choir to visit http://www.rcm.ac.uk/cps/singwithus or contact Katey Warren on 07399 528 611 / [email protected].
If you or someone you love has been affected by cancer, Tenovus Cancer Care can offer help and support. To find out more call the Tenovus Cancer Care free Support Line on 0808 808 1010 or visit tenovuscancercare.org.uk.