Christchurch choir’s dazzling £80k for hospice charity

The Diamond Divas ladies’ choir has hit its latest fundraising high note – bringing its total to £80k raised for Macmillan Caring Locally (MCL), the local charity which supports the Macmillan Unit hospice at Christchurch Hospital.

The Divas marked their new milestone with a performance at Care South’s Fairlawn care home in Ferndown, where they delighted residents with their unique mix of songs and comic poetry. In total, the event raised £360 for the good cause.

Choir coordinator Josie Spicer said: “The choir began 13 years ago with the simple goal of using our voices to support Macmillan Caring Locally (MCL) which funds the Mac Unit hospice.

“Since then, we have entertained at care homes, clubs, and churches across the area, using our love of singing and slapstick fun to entertain people, share laughter and raise funds for a truly wonderful cause.

“Reaching the £80k mark is fantastic and makes us all feel very proud,” she continued.

“We are always given a very warm welcome wherever we go and it’s lovely that the staff and residents of Fairlawn have embraced our visit and organised their own additional fundraising for MCL with a raffle and sale of beautiful cakes made by their chefs James and John.”

Josie added: “It currently takes us around a year to raise £10k, so if everything continues to go to plan, we could be hitting the £90k and 100k marks before the end of 2028. Then we will really celebrate!

“Care homes, WIs, Rotary Clubs, and social or community clubs interested in helping us to reach that milestone are welcome to contact us. We currently have some bookings available this Christmas and would love to bring the Divas’ own inimitable festive style and fun to entertain you.”

Tina Vincent, Home Manager at Fairlawn said: “It was lovely for our residents to welcome the Diamond Divas to their home where they enjoyed some beautiful singing to support MCL and the hospice.

“Our fundraising event was  organised by Kerry Bundy, our Activities Lead , whose mum and dad were both cared for by the hospice. Many of our residents also have family and loved ones who have been supported by the amazing work they do.

“We look forward to hosting the Divas again soon and helping to them reach their next incredible fundraising target.”

Barry Wilson Fundraising & Media Manager for Macmillan Caring Locally said: “The Divas are a glorious force of nature, spreading happiness wherever they go and we feel incredibly lucky that they continue to give their time and their voices to help our work.

“We would also like to say a big thank you to everyone at Fairlawn for hosting the choir and going that extra mile to raise funds for us.”