In a spirited effort to combat breast cancer, the Honley Ladies Choir from Yorkshire has launched a unique campaign using a catchy song with playful lyrics. Their goal is to encourage women to check for signs of changes in their breasts, or as they humorously put it, their “dumplings or wah wahs.” This initiative is part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, and the choir is taking their message on a musical journey across the M62 corridor.
The campaign, aptly named “Abreast The M62,” kicks off in Huddersfield on October 2 and features a “Big Booby Dooby Sing” on October 4. The choir will make stops in Hull and Leeds before concluding with a grand finale at Liverpool Cathedral. The public is invited to participate, whether by singing along or simply showing support.
The Power of Community and Music
Jo Sykes, a choir member from Huddersfield, shared the personal motivation behind the campaign. Earlier this year, a friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, a revelation that deeply affected their community. “It really brought home the devastation a diagnosis can bring,” Sykes said, emphasizing the importance of self-checking, especially when a lump may not appear on a mammogram.
“Breasts can be a private thing, people don’t talk about them,” Sykes added. “This is about ‘knowing your normal’. It’s about the importance of manually self-checking so you know what that normal is.” The choir hopes that their light-hearted approach will capture attention and encourage early detection, which is crucial for effective treatment.
A Musical Journey Across the M62
Musical director Emily Reaves-Bradley, from Golcar near Huddersfield, expressed her excitement about the upcoming events. The choir aims to gather 1,500 people to raise their voices in unison at the final event. “This is going to be an amazing event that we want everyone to get involved in,” she said. “You don’t need to be a good singer; you just need to be enthusiastic about the message we want to share so come along and join us.”
For Sykes, singing in a choir is a powerful experience. “I love singing in a choir,” she said. “On my own, my voice is OK. With a group of women, we produce something really beautiful which makes me really proud.” The choir believes that by raising awareness and supporting each other, they can make a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer.
Supporting Charities and Services
The Honley Ladies Choir is collaborating with several charities and services, including Hull and East Riding Breast Friends, Maggies Yorkshire, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust Breast Care Team, Manchester-based Prevent Breast Cancer, and Maggies Wirral. These organizations are crucial in providing support and resources for those affected by breast cancer.
Reaves-Bradley highlighted the importance of community involvement, stating, “It pulls people together. And by being aware, knowing about checking, and supporting each other, we can overcome everything.”
Looking Forward
The choir’s initiative is not just about raising awareness; it’s about creating a supportive community where people feel empowered to take charge of their health. As the campaign progresses, the choir hopes to inspire others to join their cause and spread the message of early detection and support.
For those interested in learning more or listening to the choir’s song, which organizers admit is a bit cheeky, further information can be found on their website at www.honleyladies.org/abreast-m62.
The Honley Ladies Choir’s campaign is a reminder of the power of music and community in raising awareness and fostering change. As they travel across the M62, their message is clear: early detection saves lives, and together, we can make a difference.