Choir grants final wish of woman who died of cancer

A “SAVIOUR” choir came together for a spine-tingling performance at a woman’s funeral – to help fulfil her dying wish.

Caroline Stephens died on July 5 at the age of 37 after battling cancer.

Before she died Caroline asked her brother Paul if he would find a choir to perform at her funeral. He did all he could to make her dream come true.

As previously reported in the Echo, Paul was struggling to find a choir to perform, with nearly 50 choirs saying they couldn’t commit within a short space of time.

But after hearing about how Paul, 38, was desperately trying to find a choir to perform, one stepped in to help within hours.

Paul, from Caerphilly, said Treharris Male Voice Choir came forward to help the family, who feared they may not have been able to fulfill Caroline’s final wish.

Paul said: “Treharris Male Voice Choir confirmed around 14 people would be able to attend – the saviours. We had an unbelievable response.

“It’s a huge weight lifted off my shoulders – it was my sister’s final wish so it was the one thing wanted to do for her.”

Paul said a choir performed at his wedding which Caroline was lucky enough to attend before she passed away.

It was at that point she decided she would like to have one perform at her funeral service.

Caroline had been fighting cancer for about 20 months before she died.

The footballer, from Llandaff North, was first diagnosed with cancer in the breast and lymphoma,

Iwhich later spread. “We are so grateful for everyone’s response,” Paul added.

“It’s been really overwhelming. So many people have wanted to help – it shows the good of the South Wales community.

“I didn’t realise there were so many people who are willing to help people they have never met.”

Paul said Caroline was known for showing much strength throughout her illness – she even wrote a blog about what it was like to battle cancer.

She was also determined that her funeral would be a celebratory event.

A strict rule was put in place that stated people were not allowed to wear black – Caroline wanted her attendees to either wear a sports top or brightly-coloured clothing.

A celebration of Caroline’s life was held at Ararat Baptist Church, Whitchurch, yesterday at 2pm. A short service was also held at Thornhill Crematorium afterwards.