British Nurse’s Musical Approach Earns Her Prestigious Award
September 23, 2024
Inspiring news from Birmingham, UK.
Sally Spencer, who has dedicated nearly 25 years to nursing at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, has been honored with an Unsung Hero Award. This accolade acknowledges her extraordinary efforts in integrating music with medical care.
Sally Spencer (left) receives the Arts Hero Award
Specializing in caring for children with leukemia, Sally’s influence reaches beyond the medical field. She has also made a significant impact through her musical talents.
A singer with the acclaimed choir Ex Cathedra, Sally initiated the Singing Medicine project two decades ago to bring joy and therapeutic benefits to hospitalized children. This initiative, which she still co-leads, offers live singing sessions to young patients, including those in protective isolation units.
Sally was inspired after witnessing the lively reactions of children at a choir event in Symphony Hall. She recalled, “The children were buzzing, and I thought about the children I look after at the hospital who miss out on opportunities like this,” in an interview with BBC Radio WM.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person interactions were restricted, Sally and her team adapted by producing thousands of custom music videos for children. Her leadership was vital in maintaining the project’s momentum, even providing comfort through music during end-of-life care situations.
The success of Singing Medicine has led Sally to extend the program to support adults suffering from stroke and dementia, demonstrating music’s broad therapeutic potential.
Watch the video below!
