A 62-YEAR-OLD man says singing has helped him recover from lung cancer.
Dave Henshelwood is one of the first people in Scotland to take part in a pilot project launched by NHS Lanarkshire to support patients with lung cancer.
Patients who have completed treatment are offered a range of supports including music therapy and calming exercise classes.
Dave, from East Kilbride, had treatment for cancer in his left lung last year, leaving him with breathing problems.
He says his breathing improved significantly after he joined the choir at Kilbryde Hospice, earlier this year. 
He said: “I was a bit surprised when the TCAT team suggested joining the choir. But the breathing exercises the choir does have really helped and I have greatly enjoyed the singing and the social aspect of being in the group.
“A cancer diagnosis can give you a big knock and my confidence was low. But the help from TCAT and the chance to socialise more has really brought my confidence back and sent it sky high.
“I used to be active on the folk music scene and played the mandolin. TCAT has led me to take it up again as part of the music therapy offered at the hospice.
“I was also introduced to Chi Gung, gentle exercise that helps to counter fatigue."
Heather Quail, Macmillan TCAT project manager for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “The TCAT pilot programme in South Lanarkshire is running until August 2017 and we’d urge patients who have had a diagnosis of lung cancer to contact us to see if they’d like to take part.
“TCAT offers patients a monthly online assessment over six months to look at the overall impact their treatment has had on their quality of life and the physical, psychological and mental effects on them and their family. 
“Patients are given information, in person or over the phone, to help manage their concerns or are put in touch with the right services to help. This promotes a healthier lifestyle, encourages more independence in self-management and puts patients back in touch with their local community.
“To participate, patients need access to a personal computer, tablet or smartphone. If they are unsure about that, they can nominate a family member or carer to do this for them.”