The Martlets Good Vibrations choir has been performing at open gardens around Brighton & Hove to raise money for the Martlets Hospice.
The forty strong choir is made up of hospice patients, family members, staff and volunteers singing under the musical direction of local singer and voice coach Aneesa Chaudhry.
For many members it has been a chance to find a voice they never knew they had.
For Sally Sprinthall the choir came at a time when she needed it most. Her husband Mark had been battling cancer for 3 years, it had been a very long and sad journey for them both but the choir gave them something to feel happy about.
Sally said: “I was a little unsure at first but it turned out to be one of the best things I have ever done, as it was an amazing experience. I found that singing along with everyone else gave me such a feeling of joy, happiness and a real sense of care and support. I left the choir that day feeling so uplifted and realized that I was smiling for the first time in a very long while.”
Two of Sally’s sisters and her niece have now joined the choir.
Her sister Shirley Alston, said: “Sally joined the choir in her darkest moment, and found great comfort. For me taking part in this choir has lifted my soul, given me more confidence and put a smile on a very sad face, and since I have been singing my blood pressure has reduced so not only have my spirits been lifted my health has improved too.”
Ann Borg, Choir Coordinator at the Martlets Hospice, said: “Our choir feels like a real community with all of us coming together from such different places and on such different journeys. We have patients and carers, nurses and office staff and people with no previous connection to the Martlets at all.
“It doesn’t matter how you are feeling when you come to a rehearsal. If you are feeling happy or sad you will always feel ‘held’ by the choir. It’s the support and understanding that people give to each other which makes this a really special choir.”
Formed in March this year the hospice has been inviting anyone living locally who has ever wanted to sing to go along to musical workshops.
They are always looking for new members, no experience is necessary, all you need is enthusiasm and a love of music.
Rehearsals take place on Friday afternoons and Tuesday evenings at the Martlets Hospice in Hove.
The choir is free to join but staff at the Martlets suggest a £3 donation per session to help cover costs.
To book your place call the Good Vibrations choir Martlets Day Services on: 01273 273400
For more information about the Martlets, click here:
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