Things can only get better
By Aimee Walsh
THE Sea of Change Choir performed a virtual rendition of ‘Things can only get better’ at the launch of the EU’s Beating Cancer Plan on World Cancer Day, February 4.
The Sea of Change Choir are a group of women that are cancer survivors and supporters that have banded together to sing for cancer awareness and provide survivors and patients with hope and encouragement.
Members of the Sea of Change choir Linda Flood, Angela Hogan, Barbara Kelly and Suzin Staunton who sang Things Can Only Get Better at the launch of the EU’s Beating Cancer Plan on World Cancer Day
The choir was started by Deirdre Featherstone, an Irish woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012.
Amongst the members of the choir are Tallaght locals Barbara Kelly, Linda Flood, Angela Hogan, Lisa Walsh, Audrey Brown and Suzin Staunton from Citywest.
One of the choir’s members, Barbara Kelly, explained that she got involved when her sister Linda developed breast cancer.
“Linda got cancer in 2013, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and ever since then we have gone to ‘Strip and Dip’, an annual event to raise money for children’s cancer charity Aoibheann’s Pink Tie. Through that over the years we have gotten to know people.”
The choir did an outstanding performance last year in February 2020 for World Cancer Day at The European Parliament which won them a standing ovation from parliament.
They were due to perform again this year but due to Covid-19 restrictions, the choir alternatively put together a video including a moving virtual performance of the song ‘Things can only get better’.
Choir members Annette Hahessy from Templeogue and Eileen Carron from Chapelizod who sadly passed away last year
“The song was all done on zoom. We were given our scores and it was great fun. It was great seeing it being put together.” Barbara told The Echo.
“Somebody approached me for the EU Parliament last year and we said let’s get on board. We did the song for them and stood up in the parliament, and they did not expect us to be there.
EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said this years video is one of ‘hope and inspiration’.
Like so many, Covid-19 and lockdown has been difficult for the choir, but they are determined to keep going.
“The choir is going strong, every couple of weeks we have zoom calls. We lost two of our girls last year, Annette Hahessy and Eileen Carron, and it has been very hard. Because of Covid, we were not able to attend the funeral as a group.
“Zoom has been huge, and it has been so inspiring for everyone. Together we are great, and when you are on your own you are missing everybody. We lean on each other for support because a lot of the girls have had cancer and still have.
Barbara added, “We have a lot under our belt at the moment, and a few things lined up so watch this space.”
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