8:30am Wednesday 25th August 2010
By Liza-Jane Gillespie
A FATHER-of-four is finally realising his dreams of being a recording artist almost three years after beating cancer.
Steve Yeo, 44, of Charfield, believes his love of singing helped to not only save his voice but also his life, when he was diagnosed with the illness in 2007.
"I started struggling with my voice in December 2007 so I went to my doctor who referred me to a specialist who diagnosed me with leukoplakia," said Steve, who has been singing in pubs, clubs and cruise ships for more than 20 years.
Leukoplakia is a condition that causes the growth of thick, white patches to develop on the gums, the bottom of the mouth, the inside of the cheek, and occasionally on the tongue. The condition can lead to oral cancer.
The following June Steve had surgery but was told by doctors he may never be able to sing again. Fortunately for Steve though the illness was caught early.
"The doctors told me because I am a singer and use my voice all the time I noticed something very quickly," added Steve.
"Unfortunately for most people who only use their voices for talking, by the time they notice something wrong their treatment has to be much more aggressive."
Now two years after surgery Steve is about to launch his debut album, Eventually, which charts his singing career over the last 20 years, and he has just launched his first single off the album, Please Don’t Set Me Free.
"I decided after the cancer that I should do something with my singing. I had always wanted to pursue it but everything was suddenly put into perspective for me," he said.
The album, which was recorded in Steve’s own studio at his home in Charfield, includes tracks he has written over the last 20 years, as well as several new songs he has written since his illness.
He said: "The album is a reflection on my life and the songs are my views on life, love, religion and the world."
Please Don’t Set Me Free is available for download from most music websites, and the album Eventually is set for release early next year.
For more information on Steve Yeo visit www.steveyeo.co.uk
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