Choir finds a way to raise money for charity

The Isle of Wight Melodic Choir haven’t let the lockdown stop them joining together to record a song for charity.

Members of the choir have recorded harmonies and sections of the emotive song ‘Rise Up’ by Andra Day from their own homes, and features Natasha White, who beautifully sings the lead.

Together, the ensemble is very moving, and is available on ‘You Tube’ as well as various other music platforms to download in an attempt to raise funds for The Wight Brainy Bunch.

“The lyrics to this song seem ever poignant, but especially at this moment in 2020” [Kay De’Lacy, Melodic Choir Leader] The choir, which has approximately 45 active members have come together (virtually) on a daily basis throughout lockdown to sing their ‘Song for the Day’, in place of their usual weekly choir practice. In November the choir raised £1900 with their two concert performances of Mamma Mia and last month hosted a 26 song Singathon via Zoom for the charity raising a further £601.

“These times are really challenging for charities, businesses and families alike. Unfortunately, although fundraising has virtually ceased for the time being, the devastating diagnosis of a brain tumour has not, and there are many families on the Island still requiring our help through these difficult times”. [Kathryn Grimes, Founder of The Wight Brainy Bunch] The Wight Brainy Bunch was founded by Ryde Firefighter Mark Grimes following his diagnosis of a brain tumour in 2015. The charity now provides emotional support and financial assistance to other Isle of Wight families facing this devastating diagnosis, by funding a variety of services, including travel costs to Southampton for treatment, purchasing of specialist equipment, counselling services, physiotherapy to aid mobility, cognitive rehabilitation therapy and memory making breaks for those with a terminal diagnosis.

If you enjoy it, they would like you to consider making a donation to the Wight Brainy Bunch by visiting: www.thewightbrainybunch.org.uk/donate OR to make a £2 donation text MELODIC to 70085 (Texts cost £2 plus standard rate message)