A choral piece called ‘Hope Is The Thing’, set to the words of a poem by Emily Dickinson, has been composed in tribute to 14-year-old Safi.
Safi’s aunt and composer, Barbara Cobham, created the piece to remember her niece. Barbara used music as a natural way to express her hopes for Safi’s recovery, whilst also paying homage to her amazing inner strength and resilience.
Safi was diagnosed with primary bone cancer in 2021 when she was just 11 years old. She endured gruelling treatment during the two and half years that she was ill, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and several complex surgeries. Sadly, Safi passed away in March 2024.
‘Hope Is The Thing’ has since become a way of honouring her memory and her legacy. Dickinson’s poem portrays hope as a little bird within the soul, that keeps on singing, despite the toughest of trials.
Barbara said:
“Safi’s was our family’s own ‘little bird’. Her courage, her joy and her vivacious spirit live on through the music - a reminder to us all never to give up, even during life’s hardest challenges. Safi was full of joy. She was clever, kind and beautiful with a razor-sharp wit, always making everyone around her laugh.”
The piece will be performed as part of a concert by Mosaic Chamber Choir in Woking, marking a year since Safi’s passing. On March 29th 2025 the piece will be sung at All Saints Church, Woodham and the choir will also be collecting for the Bone Cancer Research Trust in Safi’s memory.
Mike Cobham, Safi’s dad, said:
“We’re keen to raise as much money as we can to help fund the vital work of Bone Cancer Research Trust in the hope that less families in future will have to go through such a devastating loss.”
Leah Holmes, Regional Relationship Officer at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, said:
“Hope is the Thing is such a moving to tribute to Safi. Primary bone cancer is a cruel and devastating disease and we are so grateful to all our supporters for how they choose to fundraise. It's only through the efforts of people like Barbara that we can raise awareness, fund research and bring hope to those diagnosed with the illness.”
Book tickets here for the concert on March 29th at 7.30pm, All Saints Church, Woodham.
Read more here about Safi’s story and the inspiration behind the piece.
Make a donation in Safi’s memory here.
Safi's life and family
