There’s something quietly powerful about a group of people coming together to sing - especially when those voices belong to individuals navigating life with a cancer diagnosis.
The patient choir run by Friends of Anchor who supported ANCHOR patients and staff since 1997. The ANCHOR Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is the main centre for cancer and blood disorder care in the north of Scotland. It brings together specialist wards and clinics to deliver joined-up treatment, and also offers free wellbeing support for patients as well as programmes for the staff who care for them.
The choir run by Friends of Anchor and taken by myself, is open to anyone living with cancer, whether they’ve just received their diagnosis or have been living with it for many years. It’s not about performance or perfection, it’s about social connection.
Each session offers a space where people can step away, even briefly, from the clinical side of their experience. In place of appointments and treatments, there is music, laughter, and shared understanding. Singing has long been known to support mental wellbeing - it can lift mood, reduce stress, and create a sense of calm. But beyond that, it brings people together in a way that words sometimes can’t.
What makes this choir so special is the sense of community it creates. Everyone in the room understands something of what the others are going through. There’s no need for explanations or pretence, just a shared space where people can be themselves. Friendships form naturally, and many describe the choir as a place they genuinely look forward to each week - a place that feels safe, welcoming, and uplifting.
Whether you’ve sung on stage or only ever sung in the shower, patients are warmly invited to take part in these singing sessions for all levels. No prior experience is required, and there are no auditions. Sessions are designed to be accessible, relaxed, and enjoyable, with a focus on participation and creating a sound together that feels bigger than any one individual.
This initiative offers more than just a musical activity - it provides a consistent, positive space where individuals can build confidence, form meaningful connections, and support their overall wellbeing. It is a simple yet impactful way of bringing people together and enhancing quality of life through community and creativity.