Anxious wait for choir group hoping to hit a winning note
A CHARITY choir is hoping it can secure vital funding to ensure it keeps going.
The North West Community Stroke Choir is based at the Crescent Road Community Centre, in Portwood.
And it is one of the groups aiming to secure up to £10,000 from the Aviva Community Fund.
The choir, which was set up by the Stroke Association, has been shortlisted for a public vote where the winners receive cash from the insurance company.
Joyce Booth, from the Stroke Association, said: “It was originally funded as a seven-week project, but due to its success and popularity the group has managed to continue.
“We are reliant on our own fundraising activities. In the long-term it would enable the choir to become self-supporting as well as support our dream to make a recording.”
The group is made up of local stroke survivors, carers, volunteers and health professionals.
It is run by volunteers and members meet every Monday from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Joyce added: “A stroke happens in an instant but its effects can last a lifetime. People can become socially isolated and lacking in confidence.
“When creating the choir, we set out to build a strong social group to improve the lives of stroke survivors.”
Among members is Ron Henshall, 66, who had a major stroke which left him with no words at all, and he had to completely re-learn how to communicate.
He said: “It’s been brilliant for my speech. Talking to the other members each week has helped me so much.”
Voting closed on Friday and members now face an anxious wait to see if they have been successful.