New national charity, Shout at Cancer, will be hosting a Christmas Concert on December 7th at 7pm in St Stephens Church, Norwich, to promote head and neck cancer recovery in Norfolk.

The visiting choir is made up of individuals who have had a laryngectomy, an invasive surgical procedure to remove their voice box due to cancer.

Funds raised from the event will help in establishing a similar locally-based choir group in the Norwich area as well as towards the start-up of the Head and Neck Cancer (HANC) support group at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Shout at Cancer supports those affected by head and neck cancer, through relieving affective symptoms and improving voice rehabilitation. The charity is aiming to host more events and workshops in Norfolk and to work alongside the team at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to aid local patients.

Approximately 25-30 laryngectomies are carried out each year at the N&N.

Andrew Beaumont, a member of the choir and a local Laryngectomee said: “Being a Laryngectomee is not easy. I want people to see how a difference can be made not only from a point of increased speech proficiency, but to their general confidence and wellbeing”.

Erica Everitt, Tracheostomy Specialist Practitioner at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital said: “Having a local laryngectomy choir like this would be fantastic to raise awareness of head and neck cancer in the Norfolk area. It would be great to give support to local laryngectomy patients, by hosting workshops where they can learn different breathing and articulation techniques. The choir would also enable patients to socialise with other laryngectomee’s and support each other through their recovery”.

The concert entrance is free, with a suggested donation of £5 at the door. Cakes, mince pies and mulled wine will be available to purchase on the night.

Shout at Cancer is looking for local voice coaches and/or music or acting organisations in Norfolk to collaborate with on projects. For more information visit ShoutatCancer.org or email Andrew Beaumont on [email protected]

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Notes:

Having a Laryngectomy is a huge decision for patients and their families. It results in loss of normal voice, as well as significant physical changes and associated emotional and psychological difficulties.

For more information contact:

Erica Everitt- [email protected]

Astra Hall (Head and Neck Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist) – [email protected]

Information is also available from the Shout at Cancer website: www. ShoutatCancer.org

Shout at Cancer video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWAeXgQeJ7Q

Andrew Beaumount- [email protected]