Young cancer survivor releases single to give something back to charity that helped her through it

Young cancer survivor, Spod Bailey (stage name Eirra), has made her musical dreams come ‘Alive’ with the self-release of her new digital single. She is hoping to raise money from the single to donate to CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, a charity which supported her during her treatment.

While studying at university in 2017, Spod, then 20, discovered a lump in her neck. After a biopsy, the doctors confirmed that it was thyroid cancer. She went through two operations to remove the tumour along with her thyroid. At a follow-up appointment after going through a course of radioiodine therapy, Spod was told that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. She had further surgery to remove 22 nodes followed by another course of radioiodine therapy.

During treatment, Spod’s University suggested that she stop attending classes and defer her degree in Animal Behaviour. Spod however decided against this and ploughed through, graduating with a first class Bachelor of Science degree.

Spod initially received treatment near home but had to be transferred to London for specialist care. It was in London that Spod met her CLIC Sargent social worker, Pia, who provides practical, emotional and financial support.

Pia quickly recognised Spod’s musical talent and encouraged her to get involved with CLIC Sargent’s music service that offers young people with cancer the opportunity to get engaged in a range of musical activities. Spod recorded two songs where she was able to collaborate with other young musicians who had also been diagnosed with cancer.

Phil Day, Music Coordinator at CLIC Sargent, said: “Spod is a very talented singer songwriter. Her track is beautifully written with such a positive message for anyone going through hard times.

“We want to say a huge thank you to Spod for supporting CLIC Sargent with the single, helping us to raise vital funds and awareness. We hope that everyone enjoys listening to ‘Alive’ and every purchase will help us in our fight to support more young people like Spod.”

Spod plans to pursue music as a future career and released her single ‘Alive’ together with a video launch on social media. The song was inspired by her journey through cancer treatment and deep gratitude for life. She also performed at the sold out Million Dreams Charity Concert in aid of CLIC Sargent at the Christ Church Downend in Bristol.

Spod Bailey said: “My song was inspired by my journey through cancer treatment and the desperate hope that things would be okay. The lyrics speak about wanting to escape to a time when there weren’t such worries, as well as being grateful for simply being alive. The overriding message is one of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.”

To listen to Spod’s new single and watch her video, go to https://youtu.be/d0sPluTOmvM. ‘Alive’ is available now at Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music and Google Play.

All proceeds from the single will go to CLIC Sargent.

About cancer in children and young people

Today, 11 more children and young people in the UK will hear the devastating news that they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years. Although survival rates are over 80%, cancer remains the single largest cause of death from disease in children and young people in the UK.

About CLIC Sargent

When cancer strikes young lives CLIC Sargent helps families limit the damage cancer causes beyond their health. CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading charity for young cancer patients and their families. We provide specialist support, to help and guide each young cancer patient and their family. We will fight tirelessly for them, individually, locally and nationally. For more information, visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/what-we-do/