Choir comes together for poignant Christmas song
IT was at 3am one morning that Sally Hicks first had the idea for a powerful Christmas song which has been released to help raise money to support people affected by motor neurone disease (MND).
Sally’s husband Geoff had been diagnosed with MND, a terminal, neurological disease and had been given just months to live. As his condition worsened, he had been transferred to a nursing home 20 miles away from their home in Pembrokeshire - something which Sally found increasingly difficult to cope with.
Early one morning while struggling to sleep, Sally wrote the lyrics for Christmas Spirit, a song which reflects the reality of living with MND, as well as the joy of having two beautiful grandchildren.
She said: “All of these emotions were washing over me at once and I decided to write something. I’ve always written poetry, so the idea of writing a song is something which came quite easily. While the verses are sad the chorus is upbeat and joyful and inspired by our grandchildren.”
Sally, a member of Gelliswick Community Choir, enlisted the support of the choir’s musical director Angrahad Sanders, who agreed to write the music. The result is Christmas Spirit, a song which has been recorded by the whole choir. It has already helped to raise £710 to support people living with and affected by MND, in memory of Geoff who died earlier this year.
Sally said: “Hearing the song for the first time was just incredible, and such a moving moment. I have a very precious video of Geoff hearing the song for the first time but I haven’t been able to watch it – not yet. But I am so grateful to everyone for their support and for helping us to raise money and awareness of MND.”
The MND Association’s Lynn Fraser who is supporting Sally with her fundraising said: “Christmas Spirit is a beautiful song, perfect for the time of year, and one which really explains what it’s like to be affected by MND. We’re very grateful to Sally for writing the song, and for everyone at the Gelliswick Community Choir for recording it in memory of Geoff.
“Every penny raised from the sale of the CD will help support the 5,000 people who are living with MND at any one time in the UK, while helping the Association to fund more research.”
You can purchase a copy of the CD by visiting Facebook and searching for Gelliswick Community Choir or you can make a donation by visiting www.justgiving.com/page/gelliswick-community-choir-christmas-spirit