Children's choir soothes cancer sufferers at the QE Hospital in Birmingham

Dec 12 2007 By Alison Dayani, Health Correspondent, Birmingham Mail

VOICES of "little angels" helped ease the worries and fears of cancer patients waiting for treatment at a Birmingham hospital.

Harmonious tunes from the gospel choir at Hillcrest School, in Stonehouse Lane, Bartley Green, filled the cancer centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Edgbaston.

Less-musical pupils at the school played their part by creating festive decorations to hang up in the centre.

David Lawrence, of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, gave up his time to direct the performance.

Jessica Kent, arts manager for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital cancer centre, came up with the idea of using music to help patients, many of who are battling terminal conditions.

"It is always a very difficult time for patients when they come to the cancer centre and they are often sitting waiting for a while feeling nervous and anxious," said Jessica.

"Music helps people relax and makes the experience slightly less stressful. There is something about children singing that is so lovely."

The programme continues with performances from a string quartet, family singing ensembles, guitarists and the Young Voices Birmingham Choir.