By Ginnie Hooper

A former GP is running a choir to help people in Brighton whose lives have been affected by cancer.

Julie Nye started the Come and Sing choir in April 2013. It is open to anyone who has been affected by cancer, whether as a patient, a carer, a relative or a friend.

Ms Nye said: “It’s very nurturing, very uplifting. People don’t have to be joyful but there is something about singing together that is a real collective achievement, so it brings people together.”

Having always had a passion for music, Ms Nye left general medical practice 12 years ago to run community singing groups.

She had heard about the success of choirs for cancer sufferers in Wales, and felt something similar in Brighton could benefit a lot of people.

The choir is made up of a small, steady group, and Ms Nye welcomes any others who might like to join.

She said: “It’s a very accepting, kind group. If you join something new it can be hard work, and if you are feeling vulnerable maybe you don’t feel up to that, so it’s more supportive and more gentle.”

They sing a range of music from around the world, and a musical background is not necessary to take part.

Chorister, Sabine Hielscher, 36, from Brighton said: “For me the choir has been a place of hope, bravery and safety, where I can just be myself for a couple of hours each week and feel understood and accepted.

“Through the choir I have realised how healing singing with people could actually be - even if you feel that you cannot sing.”

In addition to singing, the weekly meetings include a tea break where Ms Nye serves home-made cake she bakes specifically to accommodate people’s dietary considerations.

Kate Bennett, 49, from Newhaven, who has been part of Come and Sing since its infancy, said: “People wouldn't say having cancer is ever a positive experience but thanks to Julie and Come and Sing I have laughed, had fun and felt my normal self every Tuesday.”

Come and Sing is held every Tuesday during school term times from 6.30-8pm at Space for Change in Windlesham Avenue.

For more details see www.comeandsingchoir.co.uk.