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Nurse Who Sings To Children Wins Unsung Hero Award

September 23, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Birmingham, England.

Sally Spencer, a nurse at Birmingham Children’s Hospital for nearly 25 years, has won an Unsung Hero Award for her remarkable work combining music and medicine.

Sally Spencer (left) receives the Arts Hero Award

As a children’s leukemia nurse, Sally has spent decades caring for some of the most vulnerable patients. But her impact extends far beyond traditional medical care.

In addition to her nursing role, Sally is a singer with the renowned choir Ex Cathedra. Two decades ago, she pioneered the Singing Medicine project, which uses music to bring joy and healing to children in hospitals. The initiative, which she continues to co-lead 20 years later, brings live singing sessions to young patients, including those in protective isolation.

Her inspiration came after a vibrant choir event at Symphony Hall. “The children were buzzing, and I thought about the children I look after at the hospital who miss out on opportunities like this,” Sally said in an interview with BBC Radio WM.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person visits weren’t possible, Sally and her team adapted by creating thousands of personalized music videos for children, ensuring that the power of music could still reach those in need. Sally's leadership has been instrumental in the success of the project, even guiding the team in emotionally challenging situations, such as singing during end-of-life care.

Beyond children’s hospitals, Sally expanded Singing Medicine to support adults affected by stroke and dementia, showing the versatility and healing potential of music.

Watch the video below!