A Suffolk choir on a mission to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice found themselves ranked between Ed Sheeran and Craig David in the charts last week with their debut single Always.
Community choir Pop Chorus, which runs sessions in Ipswich, Copdock, Kesgrave, Framlingham and Felixstowe, landed in the official UK singles download chart at number 65 last Friday.
More than 130 choir members feature on the single, composed by David Simon and produced by Ian Curnow, which uses words from hospice patients about what the service means to them.
It has been downloaded in over 40 countries, has been played by teachers looking to spark discussion with schoolchildren and has inspired choreography by the Suffolk Academy of Dance and Performing Arts.
Yula Andrews, choir director and Pop Chorus founder, said: “We’re amazed and proud to have done so well in the download charts.
“We held our own with both the song and EP in Amazon’s Top 10 all week, even peaking at number two, but were always up against the fan bases and airplay of national artists in the main charts.
“It’s been lovely ending up sandwiched between Ed Sheeran and Craig David – and a tremendous achievement for a charity song by an unknown amateur community choir; testament to the enthusiasm of choir members, the power of social media and local support.
“We really punched above our weight! It’s a great song that deserves to be heard.”
The choir are community partners with Ipswich-based St Elizabeth Hospice, and presented a cheque for over £5,000 to charity chief executive Mark Millar at their sell-out concert at the town’s Corn Exchange in July.
Adrian Rawlinson, head of communications at the hospice, added: “We’re so happy with how the single has done, and look forward to it continuing to spread its message in the run up to Christmas.”
Always can be downloaded or streamed from iTunes, Amazon and Spotify with profits going to the charity, or together with three other tracks on a limited-edition EP, also available as a CD from St Elizabeth Hospice shops and a number of local retailers, or directly from choir members.
For more information, visit www.popchorus.org, email sing@popchorus.org or call Yula on 07788 585441.
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