‘Best night of my life,’ says cancer patient, charity concert raises huge amount of money

Bells Lewers, who is undergoing chemotherapy, came up with the idea for the Ellesmere College Gala Concert after battling bowel cancer for more than a year.

The parent and part-time singer organised the charity event with the school’s director of music, Tony Coupe, in the hope of raising £5,000 for Cancer Research UK. However, her target was almost tripled, with the concert raising more than £14,500.

Unfortunately, three weeks before her scheduled March performance, Bells was diagnosed with a recurrence of her cancer. However, she postponed the start of her chemotherapy in order to participate in the concert, with her surgeon in the audience.

The performance was hosted by the Ellesmere Choral Society, students and parents from Ellesmere College, Shrewsbury Cantata, professional soloists and artists from other choirs with which Bells sings.

Bells, from Chester, said: “I am so proud, it was the best night of my life and exceeded anything I could have hoped for.

“I was quite happy when we reached £7,500, but people were incredibly generous and the amount just kept going up. I’m completely stunned.

“The evening was so uplifting. There was a lot of emotion in it, but there was a sense of occasion with everyone in black tie. Normally people come to shows to listen with knowledge of the pieces, but everyone was there to support and you could feel the audience was as engaged as the choir.

“It was fantastic that so many people from the community got involved and it is a testament to the commitment of that community that they all came together to achieve something so phenomenal.”

Brendan Wignall, Principal of Ellesmere College for 27 years, was due to give a speech in honour of Bells’ mother Claire Griffith, but sadly Brendan lost his own battle with cancer just seven weeks before the concert took place.

The college’s music director acted as conductor during the concert and was very grateful for everyone’s support.

He said: “I have been to many performances over the years, but I have never experienced a reception like that at the end of the gala concert.

“From the moment Bells shared her vision, I understood how much this concert would resonate with our community.

“The music was uplifting, lively and passionate, but always with a sense of celebration. The generosity of the musicians and the audience underscored the most essential purpose of our coming together in one common cause.

“The fact that it was for such a fantastic cause and a way to pay tribute to people who have had cancer only made it more celebratory.”

A third of donations to Cancer Research UK go specifically to the Carer Support Line, which allows people caring for people with the disease to ask for help and support.

“I’m so lucky to have the people who support me every day, but I know there are a lot of people who don’t have that,” Bells added.

“Some patients have only one person who cares for them day and night, week after week. It’s relentless and caregivers need support in turn. I’ve learned that caregivers are just bad at talking or reaching out because they don’t want to ‘bother’ anyone.

Rachael Hodgkinson, Relationship Manager for North West England at Cancer Research UK, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for everything they did to make this fantastic event possible.

“It comes as no surprise to me that the event was such a huge success and Cancer Research UK is extremely grateful for the donation, which will help continue the charity’s work.”

Students from the college’s Years Seven and Eight also raised money for charity by taking part in a sponsored 2.2km walk on July 4.

The walk in aid of Nightingale House raised over £1,300 for charity.