A Scottish opera star and thyroid cancer survivor has joined forces with two other survivors to create a poignant song shedding light on NHS waiting times. Monica McGhee, a soprano from Motherwell, collaborated with tenor Toby Spence and pianist Lee Michael Walton to compose a new operatic piece titled ‘About Time’, drawing inspiration from their battles with the disease. McGhee’s cancer journey began at the age of 28 when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer after noticing a lump on her throat. Following surgery on her neck, she faced a challenging recovery and a permanent loss of some of her vocal range.
At 26 years old, McGhee, who had previously performed for the late Queen Elizabeth II and at the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, found herself at a pivotal point in her career upon receiving the diagnosis in 2017. Despite facing setbacks, including auditions and aspirations to become a principal young artist in the opera world, McGhee remained determined. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I found the lump while I was warming up for a concert, and I was at quite a tipping point in my career.”
The talented soprano underwent a neck surgery to remove the tumour on her thyroid, which posed additional challenges given the nature of her profession that heavily relies on her voice. Despite the hurdles, McGhee, now cancer-free and gearing up for her English National Opera principal debut, aims to offer hope to individuals undergoing cancer treatment through their song. She expressed gratitude for the swift treatment she received and voiced her desire to amplify the voices of those facing prolonged NHS wait times.
The song, ‘About Time’, supported financially by insurer Zurich, seeks to raise awareness about the 77,000 individuals waiting over two months for cancer treatment post-GP referral this year. McGhee explained, “We wanted to think about the concept of time and waiting… there are so many different forms of waiting when you have a cancer illness.” In her pursuit to bring authenticity to her performances, McGhee acknowledged the emotional depth her cancer experience adds to her storytelling on stage.
Amidst her post-cancer journey, McGhee’s career trajectory has shifted, allowing her to embrace the raw emotions and connect on a deeper level with her audience through her performances. As she gears up for upcoming career milestones, McGhee’s resilience and determination serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those facing similar challenges.
In conclusion, Monica McGhee’s journey from a cancer diagnosis to creating an emotional song shines a light on the resilience and strength of individuals battling health challenges. Through her music, she aims to bring awareness to NHS waiting times and offer solace to those facing adversities. McGhee’s story is a testament to the power of art in conveying profound emotions and experiences, resonating with audiences on a deeper level.