Viva Voices singers have helped raise the roof and at the same time raise money for the Rainbow Ward at the West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds.
They carried out six different concerts across Suffolk and Norfolk collecting a total of £1,420 for the My WiSH Charity which supports the hospital.
It came after Graeme Hopson and his wife Lisa, who live on the town’s Howard Estate, had their son Theo treated on the ward shortly after he was born in December, last year.
Mr Hopson, 37, runs five choirs with two in Bury St Edmunds and one each in Stowmarket, Newmarket and Wymondham.
Two of the concerts took place at the Unitarian Meeting House, in Bury, with another in the town at All Saint’s Church. The other three took place at the United Reformed Church, in Stowmarket, Fairstead House School, in Newmarket, and Fairland United Reformed Church, in Wymondham, with the money raised from retiring collections.
“The reason we chose the charity was that my son was born soon after Christmas and we spent much of our time in the Rainbow Ward as he had low glucose levels.
“The worry of him being unwell and so helpless was difficult but he has made a full recovery now and we just wanted to give something back to the hospital for all the care they gave him.”
He said it was an anxious period for him and his 35-year-old wife.
“We were just so impressed with the conditions and dedication of the staff and it was a charity that was particularly close to our hearts.
“But it was a really upsetting time for us and really exhausting. We had the joy of the birth and then he was on a heart monitor and drip and we spent New Year’s Eve with him on the ward. The staff were brilliant and so kind and gave him all the care he needed and straight away my wife and I said we would raise money for the Rainbow Ward and we are delighted with how much we have raised.
“From the amount we collected it shows how much people think of the hospital and how much they enjoyed our concerts.”
Mr Hopson said the choirs are going from strength to strength and added: “It not just about the singing it’s about bringing people together and helps them to become more confident.”
If you are interested in joining one of the choirs contact Mr Hopson on 01284 700286 or go to the website www.vivavoices.com
Meanwhile, a coffee morning held at Nowton Court Village, by Clarke Care, has helped to boost the funds of the My WiSH Forget Me Not dementia appeal.
Up to 24 people attended the event with a total of £60 being raised.
Sammy Willis, Clarke Care’s care professional assistant, said: “A lot of our clients suffer from dementia diagnosis and they chose the appeal. We have regular coffee mornings and all are welcome.”
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