THERE is nothing like a sing-a-long to your favourite piece of music to lift your spirits – and no one knows that more than a singing group in Bolton.

Bolton Cancer Voices, founded in June 2012, is the North West's only dedicated community choir for cancer patients and cancer survivors.

Those who make up the choir have all received a cancer diagnosis at some point and are either undergoing treatment or are survivors of the disease.

While there is no proof that singing boosts health, the NHS Choices website has an article dedicated to how the activity can help mental health.

For Jean Partington, from Westhoughton, it has been the boost she needed after years of keeping her diagnosis to herself.

She said: "I saw it advertised in The Bolton News but I could never pluck up the courage to ring up about it. I love being in choirs and I saw the advert again in September last year and finally decided to give it a go.

"It is the best decision I ever made. The people are wonderful and it is so enjoyable. Because we have all been there with cancer at some point, we can all sympathise with each other.

"I found out I had cancer in 1989 after a routine smear. It was a big shock. I have two sons and was widowed aged 36 so didn't feel I could tell anyone. How I got home that day from hospital I still do not know to this day. I went into a black hole thinking, what if I die?"

Mrs Partington, aged 72, had a hysterectomy in December of the same year.

The grandmother-of-three said: "I had two huge tumours in my womb so they took everything away. I had to tell my sons at this point, who were both devastated, but I told no one else and had no counselling.

"I was lucky that I was given the all clear five years later but it doesn't stop you thinking about it and whether it will come back. There wasn't any support groups back then like the choir for me to join and it can be very isolating.

"The choir is amazing. Cancer is never mentioned there – everyone just enjoys themselves and supports each other through treatment. Singing definitely helps with your well being. I feel so fortunate surviving the disease, I just wish I joined the choir sooner."

Survivor David Ball, aged 63, from Lostock, joined the choir to help control his breathing after he had a lung removed in 2003.

He said: "I found I had a tumour in my lung about 12 years ago and they didn't waste any time taking it out. I was very lucky they caught it in time.

"I have always been a positive person so I tried to take it on the chin and got on with it the best I could. It was really hard to do but I got through it thanks to my family.

"I started the choir mainly for the exercise to give my other lung more power. I really enjoy it. We have all had issues with cancer and it really does make you feel better in yourself. Some people are in remission, some are still receiving treatment. The people there are amazing."

The group, which meets on Monday evenings between 7pm and 9pm, practise a mixture of songs old and new and welcome any new members to attend rehearsals.

Karen Elliot, chair of Bolton Cancer Voices, said: "The choir aims to provide a positive, motivational environment where members can have fun, enjoy the challenges and exhilaration of performing and have a focus aside from their illness.

"We are always looking for new people to join so please get in touch if you would like to take part."

Call 01204 595562 for more information.