Bolton Cancer Voices celebrate 13 years of music and support

Wednesday, 25 June 2025 00:48

By David Murphy

A choir formed to support people with cancer has reached its 13th birthday, defying early doubts and proving that music can be a powerful source of healing, connection and joy.

Bolton Cancer Voices, one of the UK’s first dedicated choirs for people affected by cancer, is celebrating its 13th anniversary this week with a sold out concert and a renewed invitation for new members to join.

Founded in 2012 by Karen Elliott, the choir began at a time when the idea of using group singing as a therapeutic outlet for cancer patients was largely unheard of. Thirteen years on, the group has grown to around 35 members and has become a lifeline for many.

Open to anyone who has ever received a cancer diagnosis, the choir provides an uplifting space for singing, socialising and support. Members meet weekly for rehearsals in central Bolton, with no auditions, no need to read music, and no fees, making it accessible to all.

“Whether someone is newly diagnosed, living with cancer long term, or many years past treatment, rehearsals offer a real escape from everyday worries,” said Karen Elliott, who is also Chair of the group. “You get to focus on the joy of music, make friends and laugh, and you’re among people who just get it.”

She added: “I can’t believe we’re entering our teenage years. We’ve had a blast so far and are excited to see what choral adventures lie ahead. We have an amazing musical team in Katie and Stephen, and a warm, welcoming vibe that helps everyone feel at home.”

The choir performs regularly across the region and is looking forward to its next appearance at Bolton Parish Church on Saturday 19 July. The fundraising concert, titled Summer Sounds Sensation, will also feature Bolton Caledonia Pipe Band and The Cottontown Chorus, raising funds for Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Tickets for the 19 July concert are available from organiser Russ Wintle by phone on 07980 906825, email at russ.wintle@gmail.com, or online at ticketsource.co.uk/shakin-buckets

Anyone interested in joining the choir can contact Karen Elliott on 01204 595562.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Two men arrested and 300 cannabis plants seized after early morning raids in Rochdale

Over 300 cannabis plants have been taken off the streets of Rochdale after neighbourhood officers raided two illegal growing operations in partnership with the local council.
Bury teacher banned for life after engaging in sexual activity with child

A former teacher at Tottington High School has been permanently banned from the classroom after a professional misconduct panel found he engaged in sexual activity with a pupil.
GMP’s ‘headset heroes’ answer over a million calls in a year as response times reach record highs

Greater Manchester Police’s control room teams are being recognised for their vital role in emergency response as part of International Control Room Week.
Further arrests in Rochdale and Manchester as GMP intensifies crackdown on historic child sex abuse

Specialist investigation team arrests more suspects and secures major convictions as survivors of non-recent exploitation continue to come forward
Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.