A TEENAGER from Co Armagh is to release a Christmas CD to raise funds for a nearby cancer unit that saved his father's life.
Conor Sands, 13, from Camlough will release the CD, which features classics such as 'Away in a Manger,' 'Joy to the World' and 'Silent Night', next Wednesday, with all funds going to the Mandeville Cancer Unit in Craigavon.
The son of Niall and Joanne Sands, Conor first heard about the unit ten years ago when his father was diagnosed with cancer, and despite only being three years of age, he can remember a wave of change in his home as a result of the diagnosis.
"I recall my father regularly travelling to the Mandeville Unit for his chemotherapy, or his ‘dose of jungle juice’ as I described it," Conor said.
"As a child I recall myself and my sisters Ciara and Seana and older brother Eoin having to stay with family and friends whilst my mum juggled her worklife as a nurse, running a home, looking after a young family, taking us to afterschool activities."
The Mandeville Unit is one of four regional chemotherapy centres in Northern Ireland.
"The unit based at Craigavon Area Hospital facilitates the outpatients delivery of chemotherapy and supportive therapies for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer," Conor continued.
"Not only did the Mandeville Unit look after my dad, but they gave great support to us as a family and we will be forever indebted to their specialised care and support we received during the challenges and fears we as a family faced."
While Conor, student of St Paul’s High School Bessbrook, says that life wasn't easy, Joanne always made sure he and his siblings never missed out on their hobbies and passions.
"It was from that very young age that I developed a love for singing and performing art," he said.
"I have had the privilege of performing in many shows from Broadway Musicals, to the up and coming premier production of Matlida Jr.," he said.
Now, a decade on from his father's diagnosis, Conor is showing his gratitude to all at the Mandeville Unit for their professional care and life-saving services in the form of his own Christmas album which he has called 'A Gift of Hope'.
"My mum and dad have a simple motto in life ‘always do good when you get the chance'," he said.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who helped make this experience possible."
The CD costs £10 will be released on December 1, and can be bought locally in Armagh.
