My beloved niece, Safi, was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2021 when she was just 11 years old. Despite enduring gruelling treatments during the two and half years that she was ill, including almost continuous chemotherapy and several complex surgeries, she dealt with everything with enormous courage and inner strength, somehow always managing to retain her wonderful, quirky sense of humour. She was an inspiration to everyone around her.

Devastatingly, Safi lost her battle with cancer in March 2024, and our family was left heart-broken. I am now raising money for the Bone Cancer Research Trust in her memory, the only way I know how - through music.

´Hope Is The Thing’ is a choral work inspired by Safi. The words by Emily Dickinson portray hope as a little bird that keeps on singing despite the hardest of trials - calling to mind the bravery and tenacity of our family's own little bird.

On 29th March 2025, my chamber choir, Mosaic, will be performing the piece as part of a concert on the theme of hope and resilience to mark Safi’s first anniversary. Her courage and determination, her sparkling spirit and her message of hope live on in the music, reminding us never to give up during life’s toughest challenges.

Whether you're donating in connection with the concert, or have simply been moved after hearing Safi’s story, please give generously. Your donations really can make a difference, working towards a future where less families and children have to face such a devastating outcome.

To learn more about Safi’s story and the inspiration behind the music or to listen to the piece visit: www.hopeisthething.com.

To buy tickets for the concert visit: www.mosaicchamberchoir.org.uk.

Thank you x