25/08/2026
To understand how Music Therapy transforms lives, look no further than this wonderful story from Cambridge University Hospitals.
At just four years old, Grace Matthews became seriously ill with meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia, ultimately losing all her fingers and both lower legs. During her recovery at Addenbrooke’s, Music Therapist Dawn Loombe became part of her care, with Grace exploring instruments and making music even while her hands were still bandaged.
Fifteen years later, Grace is an accomplished pianist who plays every day and arranges her own music – and she has now been crowned the winner of Channel 4’s The Piano! Grace received a standing ovation during the final at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, after being selected from scores of talented pianists across the country.
Dawn remained in touch with Grace over the years and endorsed her application to the programme.
Stories like Grace’s are a beautiful reminder that Music Therapy is about far more than what happens within an individual session. Music can become a means of expression, connection, identity and possibility that continues long after therapy itself has ended.
A huge congratulations to Grace from all of us at BAMT! 🎹💙
Read more of Grace’s story here:
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