North Devon cancer patient’s musical message of hope
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When a Barnstaple man’s cancer returned, he knew writing a song to give hope to others and raise money for local charities was the perfect response…
A Barnstaple man has turned a heart-breaking medical diagnosis into a message of global hope, releasing an original single titled ‘I Choose to Live’.
Written just hours after learning his cancer had returned in 2023, Justin Beckley's song aims to raise vital funds for two prominent North Devon charities.
The song was born from a moment of profound vulnerability. Rather than being defeated by the news, Justin was deeply moved by the empathy and clinical compassion shown by his consultant oncologist at North Devon District Hospital.
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“That meeting could have ended my story,” Justin explained.
“Instead, it began a new one. This song is my response to cancer. It’s brutal, unfair and relentless, but this is my defiance: ‘You may decide how long I live… but you don’t get to decide how I live’.”
He added: “I've always expressed myself best through music. It was a big thing for myself and my loved ones to take on at that stage, when the cancer had re-emerged. At the beginning of 2023 they didn't think they could operate and that the chemotherapy would be largely palliative.”
He said he used the keyboard as a way of allowing his emotions to come out and defy the cancer: “And it was really, I suppose, a decision I made at that stage that I would make my wife laugh every day and we would use every moment that we had to make as many memories as possible.
“But I also think it was a recognition of all the people who have invested in me, from the hospital right the way through to the most qualified surgeons in the country who have said, ‘Well, you're worth investing in’.
“So it was a bit of a tribute and a thank you.”
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All proceeds generated from streams and downloads of the track will be split evenly between North Devon Hospice which provides specialist care and support to people facing life-limiting illnesses and ChemoHero, which creates and distributes boxes of kindness to patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments across Devon.
Justin became a trustee for ChemoHero, and also received significant support from North Devon Hospice along the way. He said: “That’s why, when I'd written the music and decided to release it, I thought I don't want any financial gain out of it.
“But if there's perhaps a small way that I can give back to these two incredible charities, any proceeds I would give back to them.
"I’m definitely not Taylor Swift - although if she needs a groupie, I’m available! But if nothing else, perhaps together we can turn one devastating diagnosis into something that helps someone else."
Justin has been interested in music, both performing and composing, since he was a child and has played in both bands and orchestras.
‘I Choose To Live’ and Justin’s other songs were recorded using the equipment he bought when he was first diagnosed in 2018, mixing them himself then sending them away to be mastered professionally.
Rob Wallis, co-founder and operations manager of ChemoHero, said: “When I first heard Justin’s song it gave me goose bumps. Knowing Justin and what he's been through made it incredibly powerful.
“I think it will strike a chord with so many people, whether they’ve experienced cancer themselves or supported someone they love through treatment.
“Justin is a big part of the ChemoHero family. As a trustee he brings his own lived experience of cancer to what we do. We’re very lucky to have him and I’m really proud of him for sharing something so personal and using it to support ChemoHero and North Devon Hospice.”
Leo Cooper from North Devon Hospice added: “Justin is an amazing person and it’s a privilege to be supporting him and his family.
“He decided that, despite his cancer being incurable, he would relish every single moment and all the joys that life brings - whether big or small. This positive mindset is so inspiring, but we also know it doesn’t come easily.
“Facing a life-limiting illness brings so many mental challenges as well as physical ones and it is heartening to know how much Justin has benefitted from the support he’s received from the hospice. We hope this support has enabled Justin to live each day to the fullest with the people he loves, that is our mission as a charity.”
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Leo went on: “For Justin to put his thoughts and feelings into a song is incredibly powerful. The title - 'I Choose to Live’ - says everything about how he is approaching his diagnosis, and the precious time he has.
“We are so grateful that any proceeds will help North Devon Hospice continue our vital work. This will help more local patients and families get the care and support they need, when facing a life-limiting illness.”
I Choose to Live is available to stream immediately on major platforms via the following links:
Spotify: I choose to live - https://open.spotify.com/track/3viqa0yB5l5Ner2JqUsfSW?si=zXnqi4oHToeN3b2NznsfZQ&utm_source=copy-link
Apple Music: I choose to live - https://music.apple.com/gb/album/i-choose-to-live/6797814865?i=6797814866
People are being encouraged to listen, add the track to their personal playlists and share it with anyone currently dealing with a cancer diagnosis or grieving a loved one.