A woman who lives in Brighstone has described a choir she is part of as a "lifeline" during the pandemic - after the release of its collaborative Christmas song - which is aiming to help struggling musicians.
66-year-old Lesley Gee, who is originally from Newport, has been involved in The Sweet Charity Choir for several years - which previously met monthly in Southampton.
But because of coronavirus, it was forced to move online - meaning it was able to gather more than 250 members from across the world - who get together online to rehearse weekly.
Lesley says it has “brought so many people together” and speaking exclusively to Isle of Wight Radio, admitted it has been a “lifeline” for her and her fellow members during the pandemic.
She said:
“It is an awful time and I think that has been a lifeline during lockdown - certainly I know for many of my fellow members it has just been a lifeline. To be able to join in every week has kept people together and them going- which I think is amazing."
The choir is now raising funds for struggling musicians and has released a single called the ‘Christmas of Hope’, which Lesley says will “resonate with people” after a difficult year.
All the money raised from donations goes to the Help Musicians charity, which she says is a cause “close to her heart”.
Lesley Gee
Lesley said:
“This Christmas collaboration of The Christmas of Hope song will raise money for musicians in need and I am just happy to plug this hardship fund. My older brother from Newport is a freelance musician and so is his partner - so it is going to help people like him as well.”
‘Maybe some Island musicians will benefit from it or anyone else looking for this kind of involvement through singing, which is so uplifting in these awful times.’
Over the years The Sweet Charity Choir - set up and run by Jenny Deacon - has raised more than £50,000 for several charities.
It has also performed alongside Leon Cave, the drummer from Status Quo, and it has more performances planned in the new year.
Watch the video here:
Find out more about the choir here or via their Facebook Page here.
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