Scots singer who survived cancer pens emotional song to highlight NHS waiting times

Scottish Opera Star Monica McGhee, who bravely fought and survived thyroid cancer, has joined forces with fellow survivors tenor Toby Spence and pianist Lee Michael Walton to create a poignant song shedding light on NHS waiting times. The trio worked together on a new operatic piece titled ‘About Time’, drawing inspiration from their personal battles with the disease. McGhee, a soprano from Motherwell, discovered a lump on her throat at the age of 28, leading to a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Following surgery on her neck, she faced a challenging recovery process and experienced a permanent loss of some of her vocal range.

At 26 years old, Monica McGhee was building her career as a soprano, having performed for the late Queen Elizabeth II and at the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. Her cancer diagnosis in 2017 brought her promising career to a halt as she navigated the difficult journey of treatment and recovery. McGhee shared, “I found the lump while I was warming up for a concert, and I was at quite a tipping point in my career.” Despite facing obstacles, she remained focused on her passion for opera and her aspirations to become a principal young artist in the industry.

The talented soprano expressed the challenges she encountered due to her diagnosis, especially the impact on her career as a singer. McGhee emphasized the importance of timely treatment, acknowledging the swift care she received while wanting to raise awareness for those facing long NHS waiting times. The emotional song, supported by insurer Zurich, aims to give a voice to the 77,000 individuals who have waited over two months for cancer treatment after a GP referral this year.

Voicing the struggles and emotional journey of cancer patients, the song ‘About Time’ explores various aspects of waiting while offering a message of hope. Monica McGhee reflected on her own experience, mentioning the long road to recovery and the adjustments she had to make to her singing voice post-surgery. Despite the challenges, she is now cancer-free and preparing for her debut as a principal with the English National Opera.

McGhee’s resilience and determination shine through as she embraces the depth her cancer journey has added to her performances. Through her storytelling on stage, she aims to bring authenticity and emotional connection, drawing upon her own personal struggles. The powerful collaboration between the three survivors highlights the impact of cancer on individuals and emphasizes the importance of timely healthcare access for all.

In conclusion, Monica McGhee’s journey from a cancer diagnosis to creating a meaningful operatic piece serves as an inspiration to many. Her story not only sheds light on the challenges faced by cancer survivors but also advocates for improved healthcare services to reduce waiting times and provide timely treatment for all patients. McGhee’s commitment to sharing her voice and experiences through music is a testament to the strength and resilience of individuals navigating difficult health journeys.