How joining a choir after a cancer diagnosis gave a York man a new lease of life
We're hearing inspirational stories from people living with cancer
People affected by cancer in Yorkshire have been invited to share what ‘more life’ means to them.
Yorkshire Cancer Research's campaign 'For More Life Without Cancer' began this week, to highlight the hopes and possibilities of research through the experiences of people directly impacted by cancer.
With 30,000 people diagnosed with cancer every year in Yorkshire alone, the region is one of the hardest hit in the country.
The charity aims to save 2,000 lives in the region each year by funding work to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
62 -year-old Rob Smith, from York is supporting the charity’s drive to save as many lives as possible in the region.
Rob was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016.
Following his diagnosis, he discovered the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Rob told us how becoming a part of the choir gave him a new lease of life:
"You do have to get up and get up there and do things that make you happy.
"I've had such support from my wife and family, but also from the members in the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir.
"It's given me a new lease of life, it's given me so much joy and pleasure.
He shares why he's jumped at the opportunity to raise awareness of cancer, and the impact of cancer research:
“I was keen to use this opportunity to raise awareness of cancer and the great strides that have been made in terms of treatment and support services over recent years.
“I also wanted to highlight the fact that it is possible to have cancer, whilst still enjoying a wonderful and fulfilling life.
"Having a cancer diagnosis shakes the very foundations of who you are as an individual, but one of the key things in my mind was, I'm not ready for my life to end yet. There are things that I still want to do, want to achieve and want to enjoy.
“Cancer has made my wife and I realise how important life is and how much we appreciate the relationship that we have together.”
The impact of cancer research
To help demonstrate the huge progress that has been made thanks to advances in research, Yorkshire Cancer Research is calling on more people in Yorkshire to explain what ‘more life’ means to them.
From simple things that make up the ‘every day’, to being there for the big moments and special memories.
Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “This campaign demonstrates the true impact of cancer research, as told by those who have benefitted first hand.
“That's why we're inviting people across the region to come together to share their experiences. By getting involved they may inspire others.”
To share your experience and for more information, you can visit the Yorkshire Cancer Research website.