Sounds like recovery

Sisters Margie Smith and Jane Naish, of Oamaru, share a special moment as they play a piano duet of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag in the Arthur Barnett furniture department in Dunedin this week.

Mrs Naish (77), who has breast cancer, said she was in Dunedin for five weeks for radiotherapy treatment and Mrs Smith (75) had travelled with her to provide support.

Mrs Naish was missing her piano at home and, when having a cup of coffee in the department store's cafe, asked staff if she could play its Wagner piano on display.

''They very kindly agreed.''

During breaks in treatment, she played the piano for about 30 minutes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

She was adamant playing the piano had helped her.

''It keeps you calm and it makes you think of nice things,'' she said, while tickling the ivories this week.

She recovered from cancer 27 years ago which she credited to playing good music.