Unique West Sussex choir set for personalised song project

Under the leadership of musical director Andre Da Silva, Cancer United’s OutSingCancer choir has been learning new skills in lockdown and will soon be launching a new personalised song project.

This unique choir was started by the Angmering-based cancer charity on February 8, 2018, with 20 members and has since grown to perform at weddings, choirs and private events.

Jan Sheward, founder of Cancer United, said: “We have not only grown in numbers, we have become very professional, even last year, in between lockdowns, taking the opportunity to record two songs.

“Even through Covid-19, those whose lives have been affected by cancer are strong because they are together, sharing a cancer experience as well as now a pandemic situation.”

The choir’s version of Something Inside So Strong was played during the virtual Sussex Sports Awards last year and Let It Be was made for one of the trustees, who wanted it to remember his mum, as it was her favourite song.

Jan said: “Recording Let It Be gave us an opportunity of creating a new project for the choir, which is for others to have a recording of their favourite song filmed for a special occasion, which could include videos, or photos of memories or anniversaries.”

There are two branches of the choir, one in Angmering and one in Bognor Regis.

Jan said: “The amazing Andre has magically kept the choir together since the first lockdown with a choice of six hours of rehearsal online every week.”

The OutSingCancer choir is always open to recruiting new members. As the country comes out of lockdown, the choir can also be booked for events, including private performances, weddings, birthday parties and funerals.

Visit www.cancerunited.org.uk/outsingcancer for more information.