THE power of music proved more inspirational than ever before for a choirmaster whose singers helped her through breast cancer.

Lostock Gralam woman Mel Levy was back at the helm of five Sir John Deane's adult education choirs just two weeks after a double mastectomy operation.

Three weeks after that the 35-year-old led the Christmas concerts at the college, which raised more than £3,475 for Breast Cancer Care.

"It all started in October and from then on it went a little bit crazy," she said.

"I chose to have a double mastectomy because I didn't want the risk of it coming back, had the operation and that was it.

"It was seven weeks from when I was told it was breast cancer to the end of treatment.

"I was determined to do the concert.

"The first thing I thought was 'oh no, I can't do the concert!' but I did."

The five choirs include a total of around 140 singers, who were led by pianist Keith Robinson in Mel's absence.

"You couldn't ask for a nicer group of people," she said.

"We didn't know if I was going to come back because I didn't get the results until after the operation but they all just stuck it out and sent so many cards and presents and made me feel so happy.

"I want to say thank you so much to them because I couldn't have done it without them."

Patsy Chuter, head of adult education at Sir John Deane's College, said Mel's determination and energy was an inspiration.

Patsy, 62, who has just received a five years all-clear for breast cancer herself, said: "She's been absolutely brilliant.

"She's had it, that's it and she's moving on with her life.

"She's so alive, you would think she's the last person in the world to get it.

"It shows us all that it could be any of us and that if you get the slightest lump you just need to get it sorted.

"The more we can get that message out to people to check their breasts and go for mammograms the better – take care of yourself and the outcome is brilliant."