Wales’ leading cancer charity, Tenovus have been awarded funding from the Conwy Valley and North West Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership (CV and NWWC CRP) and Transport for Wales (TfW) to support their ‘Sing with Us’ choir in Llandudno and Bangor.
In partnership with TfW, the CV and NWWC CRP launched their second round of funding in September 2022 to support the resilience and sustainability of community organisations within a 5-mile radius of stations along the routes from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno Junction to Holyhead. Administered by Mantell Gwynedd, over £10,000 of funding has been awarded to community organisations for a wide range of activities, positively impacting on the local community and sustaining their services for the future.
Successful applicant, Tenovus were awarded £1,000 to support the ‘Sing with Us’ choir concept in Bangor and Llandudno, giving local people affected by cancer a weekly activity that provides support, friendship and fun.
Bangor Chorister Ceri said: “Seriously, I never thought I would join a choir. But having been diagnosed with cancer in Covid it was a very isolating time and when a friend suggested it, I thought I’ll give it a go just to meet some people and get out of the house.
“My normal default activities would be sport based and having lost some of those for various reasons I thought I needed to find something else to challenge me. And I find singing to be a satisfying combination of both physical (breath control) and mental exercise. I’ve met new people, experienced singing in public, signed up for a trip to Cardiff and every week I have a laugh. I love it.”
Andrew Roberts, Choir Leader and Coordinator said: “The Tenovus Cancer Care ‘Sing with Us’ Llandudno Choir is an amazing way for people affected by cancer to have fun, enjoyment and fulfilment.
“The choir brings an enormous feeling of well-being to all our members and, as well as experiencing all the fun we have during rehearsals, the choir members also have opportunities to perform and can see how their performances affect others. Being part of a choir enables our members to share their love of singing as well as socialising with others who have similarly been affected by cancer.”
Andrew added: “I am very grateful for the support of Conwy Valley and North West Wales Coast Community Railway Partnership, for supporting the choir by funding the cost of the venue. This funding has enabled our choir to meet and our members to experience all the benefits of being in such a positive environment.”
Claire Williams, Community Rail Officer for the CV ad NWWC CRP said: “The Community Grant Fund has had a wide reach and benefited many community groups. During the pandemic, many people felt isolated, especially those with medical conditions. Although many people diagnosed with cancer have support from family and friends, Tenovous, provides them with a weekly activity/support group with others who have had similar experiences. ‘Sing with Us’ gives them the opportunity to make new friendship groups, improve their wellbeing and provide support.”