Story
Breast Cancer Now is a UK charity providing world-class research and life- changing care for people affected by breast cancer. The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on the diagnosis, treatment, care and experiences of people living with breast cancer. Aimee (who works for the charity) and Naadia, have been friends since childhood and 'Beyond The Fear' became their way of staying connected and raising vital funds for Breast Cancer Now.
Inspired by Erland Cooper's, A Nightingale Sings Outside Our Window, Aimee began recording sounds on her daily walks, which Naadia turned into musical 'scenes', painting a picture of a year filled with uncertainty, isolation, anxiety, community and hope. Sounds include: wind in the trees outside Aimee's window; her neighbours clapping for the NHS; solitary drips of water on a deserted Sheffield street and the birds singing, with a plane overhead. Naadia added music to each scene and wrote a folk melody to represent the themes of community and fellowship. The piece opens with Aimee's spoken word reflections on a challenging year and builds upto a collaborative finale. Naadia invited her family, friends, colleagues and pupils, to record the folk theme which culminates in a joyful celebration of hope.
Beyond The Fear is now available on Bandcamp as a digital release. All donations raised will go to Breast Cancer Now, providing support for today and hope for the future.