Prostate Cancer UK concert sees 400 men sing their heart out to support charity

Over 400 men assembled to give a performance straight from their hearts in support of Prostate Cancer UK at an event held at Albert Hall, Nottingham this Saturday.

The event marked the climax of the national singing project known as Men United in Song, which saw financial backing from Arts Council England and was delivered by Peterborough Sings!, a music education charity, in collaboration with Peterborough Male Voice Choir.

The two leading musical organisations spearheaded the mentoring and training of four partner choirs, which performed at the event including those from Northampton, Worcester, Radcliffe-on-Trent and Welwyn Garden City.

Prostate Cancer UK has received over £90,000 in donations as part of this 10-week preparation for the initiative so far, with more expected to come in.

Jonathan Newell, from Bourne, Lincolnshire, was one of the singers involved. The 74-year-old said he felt "real sense of accomplishment" from the event.

He said: "Being diagnosed with prostate cancer was very much a kick in the teeth – life takes on a whole new outlook."

"I wouldn't be here now without Prostate Cancer UK and wanted to help the charity so their valuable work can continue. That's why I signed up for Men United in Song."

"Being part of the project, part of a team and able to support fellow team members gave me a real sense of accomplishment and the conviction that it isn't all doom and gloom."

Another participant, 66-year-old Harry Wood, said taking part helped him "get [his] self-confidence back and [gave him] a real purpose".

Mr Wood, from Nottingham, said: "I thoroughly enjoy the singing and the comradeship among members of the group," and "Where before, people used to ask about my health, now they talk about music and Men United in Song and the fact that we are a great inspiration to so many people."

Will Prideaux, director of Peterborough Sings! and the Men United in Song project, said:"It's not about finding the next Gary Barlow or Alfie Boe, but about giving ordinary men the opportunity to come along, try something new and enjoy the challenge and teamwork of singing together. Everyone's in the same boat, and it's all about the experience and the journey."

Laura Kerby, chief executive at Prostate Cancer UK, added: "It's incredible that so many men came together to sing their hearts out in Nottingham, particularly when they had little or no experience of singing before their 10-week rehearsal period."

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