Hitting the right notes in aid of leading cancer charity

A choir made up of staff from hospitals across Manchester has teamed up with eight young singers, who have had a cancer diagnosis, to perform at the city’s Bridgewater Hall, to raise funds for CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people.

The annual Christmas Carol Concert Celebration, taking place on December 3 and 4, will also see School Choirs from Failsworth, Bolton, Bury and Sale on the bill, with every penny raised going towards helping young cancer patients.

One of the young singers taking part is Tom Meadley.

Tom, aged 22, is a talented singer, pianist and guitarist. He left university to pursue a career as a musician and travel the world. 

Whilst travelling Tom was diagnosed with leukaemia, immediately beginning chemotherapy followed by a gruelling bone marrow transplant. 

During his treatment, Tom was supported by a CLIC Sargent social worker who helped with financial benefits and practical advice.

It was through his social worker that Tom got involved with CLIC Sargent’s music programme, which brings together young cancer patients and helps them through music.

Tom said: “Doctors try to fix the bits of you that are broken, but my social worker helped me enormously on the emotional side things to realise that there was a life outside and beyond cancer and to help me get back a sense of normality.

“The music workshop was incredible. At the time I was considering giving up my dream of being a musician.

"My whole experience of getting ill, the cancer diagnosis and treatment had been so isolating.

"To finally join a community of people who could totally relate to what I have been going through, and support me emotionally was a great feeling.

“I am incredibly excited to be performing at the Bridgewater Hall and to experience again the buzz of being with other young musicians and singers, and to give something back to help raise awareness of cancer and the work of CLIC Sargent."

Last year in Manchester, CLIC Sargent supported 478 families and gave out 387 financial grants to the value of £77,000, helping families to cope with the costs of cancer.

The Cancer Costs report from the charity found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month.

Joe Burns, Fundraising and Engagement Manager at CLIC Sargent, said: “When cancer strikes young lives we fight tirelessly to limit the damage it causes beyond their health.

"We rely entirely on donations to fund our vital work and so we can’t thank Tom, the Manchester & District Hospitals Choir and everyone else involved in this event enough for their fantastic efforts in putting on such a magical evening.”

If you would like to support Tom and CLIC Sargent then buy your ticket today at the Bridgewater Hall Box Office, at either: https://www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/booking-info/ or call 0161 907 9000.

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