About this story
"In that difficult time in my life, music was therapy."
Northallerton, England: Music has been part of Michael's life for as long as he can remember. He started playing instruments as a child and joined his first band as a teenager. Decades later, pancreatic cancer unexpectedly entered his life. Through months of treatment, chemotherapy and major surgery, music remained a steady presence.
Finding his rhythm
For Michael, music became a way to reconnect with himself. Sitting at the piano, playing guitar or practicing with other musicians offered moments of focus and normality.
Chemotherapy left him with numbness in his fingers, making it harder to play. Rather than giving up, he made music part of his recovery.
From the piano to the guitar, his passion helped drum out cancer.
Something to look forward to
Music was never something Michael did alone. For more than sixty years, he has played in his local church and continues to lead the weekly music service. Returning to that role after surgery became a goal that gave him something positive to work toward.
The beat goes on
Throughout treatment and recovery, music gave Michael something to return to. Today, years after being told his cancer was inoperable, Michael continues to work, spend time with his grandchildren and enjoy the music.
