A WOMAN who suffered memory loss from chemotherapy as she battled cancer sang her way to recovery after joining a Bolton choir.

Barbara Cartwright’s memory was left impaired by aggressive rounds of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer two years ago.

The treatment’s side-effect — known as chemo fog — left her unable her to remember whether she had eaten breakfast or paid a bill.

Keen to beat the fog, Ms Cartwright started singing with Bolton choir Unlimited Voices and found that learning lyrics helped her memory.

She had not sung in a choir for more than 50 years, but said she loved the experience. She has also started relearning Spanish.

Ms Cartwright, from Astley, said: “I found the memory loss very frustrating yet funny at times.

“I would make myself some breakfast and forget to eat it. Then I would wonder why I was hungry at lunchtime.

“Everyone was so friendly and supportive at the choir. It really helped me and was such a lot of fun.”

Speaking about a recent performance in Manchester, she said: “Singing at the Bridgewater Hall was such a great achievement. I am now looking forward to the next concert.”

Unlimited Voices is recruiting new singers ahead of its next performance of Number one chart hits from the past 50 years at the Bridgewater in January.

The choir will start rehearsals in Bolton on Tuesday, October 21, at St George’s Church, St George’s Road. Visit unlimitedvoices.uk or call 01609 889005.