Dorothy Gaskin, known as Dot to her many friends, sadly passed away in November 2010. An
incredibly brave lady, she endured years of treatment for cancer without losing the smile on her
face or her comitment to raising funds for CALL (Cancer Aid and Listening Line).
The following article was written by Dot about ‘Shine’.
"I am one of the many patients that meet frequently at one of the 'drop in' centres
provided by the organization ‘Cancer Aid', which serves the Greater Manchester
area in the United Kingdom. Most of us have been on the cancer journey, or are
receiving treatment.
Some recover and continue their journey in other directions. We never forget one
another, once our lives have touched and shared this journey. We are from all
walks of life, nationalities, faiths, and ages.
At one of the monthly Relaxation Sessions, Sue was facilitating an Angel Workshop,
and invited us to write a song. We were very excited, this was new territory! After
some lovely guided relaxation, we took pen to paper and we each wrote a few
lines, describing our emotions at that particular moment.
After this part of our writing, we shared what we had written. Most of the words
were beautiful, and brought a few tears. Sue took our entire work home to try
and put them into a song.
We were curious to find out how Sue would possibly put together all our feelings
including her own, into one song. Months later, she surprised us all. The song was
born! She was inspired to write ‘Shine’ and everyone loved it!
The entire group were thrilled that the song was put on the charity's DVD too!
100% of all donations and sales for Shine are given to Cancer Charities.
We hope by sharing this creative experience, it encourages other people to enjoy
song writing."
Dorothy Gaskin, Volunteer and fundraiser from: 1984 -2010
www.canceraid.co.uk