Choir Founder Hounoured For Making A Big Difference

The Founder & Chair of what is believed to be one of the first and few dedicated Choirs for cancer patients and cancer survivors in the United Kingdom, has been honoured in the BBC Radio Manchester Make A Difference Awards, scooping The Volunteer Award, presented to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.

Cherylee Houston, who plays Izzy in Coronation Street, appeared on screen at the prestigious event held in the impressive surroundings of Rochdale Town Hall, to announce this year's winner as Karen Elliott from Bolton Cancer Voices.

Miss Elliott established the Choir 13 years ago and has worked tirelessly since to ensure it thrives, despite numerous challenges along the way. Offering a vibrant choral community open to anyone 18 years and over who has received a cancer diagnosis of any kind at somepoint in their life, the Choir has successfully harnessed the therapeutic benefits of singing together, providing a fun, uplifting and inspirational environment where empathy abounds when it comes to understanding the impact a cancer diagnosis has on your life but the focus is definitely on the singing, having a fun evening, making new friends and sharing great choral experiences. 

Embedded in their ethos is that the Choir should be free to members, as it's recognised that the diagnosis of a serious illness can have many financial implications and they wanted to ensure no one would miss out because of a financial barrier.

Miss Elliott said: - "I was stunned to learn that I had been nominated for the Award, let alone a finalist; and then to be announced as the winner, I was speechless!

"This sort of thing doesn't happen to me.

"It's unbelievable that anyone would think what you do is worthy of such recognition: hugely humbling. There are so many incredible people and organisations making a difference in their local communities: my Congratulations to all the nominees; they are all truly amazing.

"It was a spectacular evening and a privilege to be a part of it: thank you to the BBC and to everyone who contributed to making it such a special night for us."

Bolton Cancer Voices is currently recruiting more singers ahead of their exciting Christmas season.

For more details contact Karen on 01204 595562.