Tenovus, Wales leading cancer charity, has been awarded £1 million from the Lottery fund to enable the creation of fifteen Sing for Life choirs to help support people affected by cancer across Wales.

The grant will set up fifteen new choirs for cancer patients over 50 years old, their families, carers, friends and those who have been bereaved through the disease across Wales.

The Sing for Life Choir was established as a research project to measure the health and psychosocial benefits of singing for cancer patients and their families and has since developed into a strong support network for its members who meet on a weekly basis in the South Wales Valleys to learn new fun songs and rehearse for regular performances.

Sing for Life has shown to alleviate depression and improve the overall wellbeing of its members from findings of a Tenovus funded study carried out by researchers at the School of Healthcare Studies at Cardiff University. The study measured a range of physical and psychological factors to see how taking part in the choir affected the quality of life of the participants. The results showed remarkable improvements in members' vitality, social function and mental health as well as a reduction in bodily pain. There were also indications that the choir alleviated anxiety and depression in members who reported these symptoms before the choir started.

The pilot project in Pontypridd now has 70 members and has gone from strength to strength since it began last year. It has helped build confidence in its members who have already performed at the National Cancer Research Institute conference in Liverpool and for Tenovus patron HRH Princess Anne where they performed a repertoire of uplifting songs. It also provides an invaluable source of support for its members who come together to unite in song and use their experience of cancer in a positive way

Claudia McVie, Chief Executive of Tenovus said;

"We can now bring Sing for Life and what is an incredible and motivating support service to people all across Wales, the land of song! The choir is one of many ways that Tenovus supports people affected by cancer. Our cancer services are provided pan Wales; offering emotional support, practical advice and information to help those where and when they need it most. We hope that through Sing for Life we can reach more people and aim to have over 1,000 voices singing together in communities across Wales, united in their experience."

50 year old Angela Davies from Caerphilly joined the choir 3 weeks after it was first set up along with her husband and son. Angela was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and underwent an operation and a course of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, Angela developed secondary cancer that is inoperable but continues to live life to the full as an active member of the choir.

Angela said:

"Tenovus told me about their choir, Sing for Life, when I was receiving counselling after being diagnosed with cancer. During that time I didn't even want to leave the house. I now attend choir every week, even if I'm having a particularly difficult day it gives me the strength to keep going. It has made an enormous difference to my life and I now feel that I have two families, my own family and my 'Tenovus' family. I feel I now have a purpose and am not battling this disease alone".

The grant will be awarded over a three year period to ensure the sustainability of Sing for Life and develop support networks for its members. A Sing for Life National Project Manager will oversee the implementation and progress of the choirs and will monitor and evaluate project milestones. Sing for Life is one of thirty projects to receive support through the AdvantAGE programme which aims to improve the quality of life for people aged over 50 through reducing social isolation and developing support services to empower them.

Source: Tenovus Cancer Charity