There was a song of joy in Marlene Gaunt's heart as well as on her lips when she rejoined her beloved singing group for a special concert.
She was taking part in a major event with the Phoenix Singers for the first time since her tongue was rebuilt after doctors discovered she had mouth cancer.
And in the audience was Leo Cheng, the surgeon whose operation made it possible for Mrs Gaunt, of Surlingham Drive, Swaffham, to talk properly and sing again.
Mr Cheng was joined by his wife and two daughters, other family members and friends for the event, which included the King's Lynn Male Voice Choir, at the town's Roman Catholic Church.
The concert was held in aid of the Maxillofacial Unit headed by Mr Cheng at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, where he performed the operation on Mrs Gaunt last January.
His medical miracle involved removing a third of her tongue and reconstructing it with tissue, blood vessels and a section of artery from her forearm.
He also removed a malignant growth from near her collar bone at the same time, which he believes was linked to breast cancer she had 26 years ago, when she had a mastectomy.
Soprano Mrs Gaunt, a widow in her 60s, who had practised hard for her stage comeback, said this week: "It was a very emotional occasion for me."
The programme included the song Yellow Bird, Love Changes Everything, When I Fall in Love, Deep in the Shady Forest and In a Monastery Garden.
It ended with two of Mrs Gaunt's favourites - God So Loved the World from Stainer's Crucifixion and The Lord Bless You and Keep You.
Mrs Gaunt, a devout Methodist - a faith shared by Mr Cheng, who spoke of his unit's work during the concert - added: "All the tickets were sold for the concert and I don't think that's ever happened before. It was marvellous."
"The total seating capacity is 130 in the church, but we managed to squeeze 160 people in and we didn't have to turn anyone away. There was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the church."
She said: "The experience of having breast cancer and this latest operation does help you to get your priorities sorted out. Life is so wonderful. The birds have never sung more sweetly."
Joan Sorrell, secretary of the Phoenix Singers, said: "To have Marlene singing with us again is wonderful."
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