DEMENTIA sufferers in Barnsley and their relatives will enjoy a trip to Cheshire thanks to singers in Darton.
A special concert was put on by Angel Voices Performing Arts Academy in Darton to raise money for members of Butterflies Dementia Support and Activities Group, run by Julie Brown, to go to Alvaston Hall in Nantwich.
The Angel Voices Community Choir performed, along with several soloists and two pianists from the academy.
Debbie Angel, director of the academy, said: “I know Julie because I sing at some of her events. They are such a wonderful bunch and are so hardworking. Everyone always has a really wonderful time.
“Julie mentioned she was planning a trip to Nantwich and that it was quite expensive, and I suggested doing a concert.
“We had been wanting to do something for a dementia group, and so people put in requests of their favourite songs and we put together a collection of them.
“There were some uplifting songs and some really moving songs.”
There was also rock ‘n’ roll songs performed by Teddy Bay and a performance by the Abba tribute band, Fabba.
Debbie said a total of £626 was raised, including a £200 donation from the Darton Ladies Group which always helps out at the academy’s events by serving refreshments.
She said: “It was a really lovely evening and we managed to raise £626. Julie said this reduced the amount by £40 per person.
“Everyone joined in, the whole audience was singing along and clapping. It was such a lovely atmosphere.”
Julie Brown, founder of Butterflies, said: “Debbie supports us and sings at our tea dances, and this trip is to help people go on a luxury holiday.
“We wanted to make it as affordable as possible to give everyone the same opportunities, and there are 40 people going.
“The concert was a really lovely evening, and my dad who has dementia was singing along to every word.”
Debbie is now preparing an event in June to raise money for Barnsley Hospital’s Tiny Heart’s Appeal.
