Pain defied as sound of music brought to hospital patients

John Smith, 76, has spent the past six weeks putting a smile on the faces of patients at the Bexley Wing at St James’s Hospital in Leeds, playing the grand piano in the main atrium.

With his wife Joy, 72, standing proudly by his side, Mr Smith, who plays the organ at St Giles Church in Bramhope, near Leeds, has fought through the pain of his radiotherapy treatment to entertain other cancer sufferers in a selfless bid to raise their spirits.

The grandfather-of-six, who has performed at York Minster and Leeds Town Hall, said: “The people here are remarkable and I’m privileged to play the piano for them.

“We are trying to put a bit of happiness into the hospital.”

The couple have been married for 50 years, and while he plays the piano, she lends a listening ear to patients who might want to chat.

She said: “It makes the place feel alive, like it has a soul.”

The couple hope to volunteer at the hospital when his treatment finishes on Friday.