SPRING CONCERT FOR CANCER FOCUS

Sing for Life has a spring in its step – the upbeat choir is holding its second concert in Belfast on Monday 25th March.

The spring concert will take place at the Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Chlorine Gardens, starting at 8pm.

The Sing for Life choir was set up last September by Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and the Crescent Arts Centre for anyone affected by cancer – patients, carers or relatives. It now has nearly 100 members with 50 to 60 attending weekly practise.

Liz Atkinson, Head of Care Services, Cancer Focus (the new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation), said: “We are very excited about our second ever concert and are looking forward to it. We have a repertoire which has something to please everyone.

“The choir has really taken off and has proved to be very popular with people affected by cancer. It is open to patients, their relatives and carers, and you don’t need any experience. You can have a cup of tea, a chat and learn some new singing skills. 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 cancer patients as it improved quality of life and self-esteem, and helped with pain relief and coping with depression.”

Dr Keith Acheson, Manager of the Crescent Arts Centre, is the choirmaster. He said: “Our second concert will be a real treat for our audience. The choir has come on leaps and bounds since it was formed and we have covered a lot of ground in just a few months.

“We have a mix of popular and sacred classics from early medieval to modern day soul. The audience will enjoy a number of popular classics such as Danny Boy, I'll Tell Me Ma, and Lift the Wings (from Riverdance).

Tickets cost £7 / £5 and are available from the Crescent Arts Centre Box Office www.crescentarts.org Tel: 028 90 242338 / Email: info@crescentarts.org

Anyone who would like to know more about the choir or any other service is invited to contact Leonne Morrison at Cancer Focus Northern Ireland on 028 9068 0776 or email leonnemorrison@cancerfocusni.org.