As part of this year’s Macmillan Coffee morning, Side Effects, our band made up of a small group of cancer patients, professionals and carers will be playing at the entrance of Huddersfield Royal Infirmary from 12:30pm on Friday, 27th September.
The band, who only came together through our Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service Music Support Group in July, have spent their Wednesday evenings perfecting a set list of familiar songs.
Here, band member Nik Smith, explains how with the support of the group he has re-found his passion for music and the joy it has brought back to his life.
“Being told you have cancer will always be a life-changing event for anyone. It has made me take a long hard look at my life and think of all the people and things that have made me the person that I am today. During this journey I realised I have a few hobbies and passions that have fallen by the wayside in my later years - not because my love for them has dwindled, more the case that I have stopped making time for them.
“Singing and playing guitar was a huge part of my life in my 20s and early 30s, and had become pretty much non-existent by the time I'd hit 50. When I met Richard (Macmillan Patient Representative) during our treatments at the Calderdale Macmillan Unit, we quickly discovered we were both musicians in our "previous lives". When he asked if I would be interested in getting something together for various Macmillan events, I thought "what a lovely idea".
“I had no clue just how much of a lovely idea it was. It turned out to be one of the most positive changes I have made to my life since my diagnosis. Meeting Nicola Greaves (CHFT’s Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service Manager) and the band members has been amazing - so inspirational. It also pushed me right out of my comfort zone, which in turn has pushed me to find my voice and get my guitar skills back up to speed.
“I cannot begin to tell you just how much joy this has brought to my life. I'm focused, I'm learning, I'm pushing hard to be the good musician I once was. It's easy when you're surrounded by such wonderful like-minded people!
I cannot thank the Macmillan team enough for everything you have done for me. Not only have you saved my life, but you’ve also given me a whole new one. I'm eternally grateful."
Nicola said: “Volunteers will also be selling cakes a baked goods on the day. With funds raised going to support the amazing work Macmillan do nationally and our very own hospital charity who resource our ever-growing cancer support groups all year round. We couldn’t reach so many patients without them.”
If anyone is interested in getting involved, please contact the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service on: 01484 343624 or email cancer.information@nhs.net The group is for anyone affected by cancer.
Nik is pictured right in the group image and below.
