TV star Vicky McClure's Our Dementia Choir coming to South Yorkshire for show in aid of Rotherham Hospital
A famous choir helping to raise awareness for the healing power of music will be hosting a local show soon.
Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir will be performing at Greasbrough Club in Rotherham in just a few weeks’ time.
The choir was formed in 2018 after the Line of Duty star’s grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and she saw how much music could help.
They began for people with dementia, and through a BBC documentary McClure tracked their progress to a show at Nottingham's Wollaton Hall grounds in front of 20,000 people.
Now, they perform across the country, helping to to demonstrate the healing power of music.
The upcoming show in Rotherham, on March 20, will help will raise vital funds for Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s Dementia Appeal.
Michael Sumption, joint president at The Rotary Club of Rotherham - who helped organise the show - said: “We are proud to welcome the esteemed Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir to Rotherham led by Daniela Smith, the choir’s musical director.
“Alongside them will be Rotherham’s mixed voice choir, Friends in Harmony, led by musical director Graham Cowley.
“On Miss McClure’s choir’s CV are venues including Nottingham Forest football ground, the Splendour Festival held in Nottingham’s Wollaton Hall grounds, and the Cavern in Liverpool and they have also recorded at the famous Abbey Studios.
“Our Rotary Club’s bringing the ODC to Rotherham has been possible with sponsorship by the Home Instead Foundation, and KCM Waste Management who will be promoting the concert, which is in aid of Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity.
“The big question is – will Miss McClure make an appearance at the Rotherham show?
“We are told she often does, depending on her filming commitments, so we will just have to wait and see.”
Rachael Dawes, head of charity and engagement at Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, added: “We are thrilled that Vicky McClure’s Dementia Choir is coming to Rotherham.
“We cannot thank The Rotary Club of Rotherham enough for choosing to support our Dementia Appeal through this fantastic event. The Rotary do absolutely incredible work in our community, and their support will make a big difference.
“The appeal aims to raise £250,000 to transform multiple ward areas at Rotherham Hospital into welcoming, dementia friendly spaces. Unfamiliar surroundings, loud noise and disruption to daily routines can make a hospital stay distressing for people living with dementia.
“This appeal will change that for the thousands of people in our community facing dementia, who, at some point will likely require a visit to hospital.”