Choir takes to streets for fund
Singing has always been a passion for Beth Hippard – but it has taken on extra significance since her mother was diagnosed with a rare lung condition.
Choir leader Beth, 26, took to the streets of a city in front of shoppers with her Got2sing Community Choir to perform songs to raise cash and awareness for the British Lung Foundation.
Beth, who lives in Orleton on the south Shropshire border, is keen to raise money for the charity as her mother Melissa, 54, was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis – a condition which has left her struggling to breathe.
The choir performed in Hereford city centre on Saturday and entertained their audience with songs such as Amazing Grace and Proud, as well as soul and Motown classics. The group raised about £200 in donations.
Beth, a music teacher at St Francis Xavier's Primary School in Hereford, said: "The sun was shining – it always is when we sing, we've been very lucky so far."
She added: "With lung disease having touched my family, we have found that the British Lung Foundation provides an invaluable resource for people living with what can be a limiting and often incurable disease."
The choir was formed in 2013 inspired by a similar Got2sing choir in the West Midlands. Since members have appeared at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms with English singer-songwriter Charlie Dore and joined a 300 strong choir at the Birmingham Symphony Hall in September which raised a massive £55,000 for good causes.
Beth said the choir was currently rehearsing soul, Motown and gospel songs for a Soul Sensation concert at Hereford's Shirehall on May 5, which will be in aid of Beth's Wish and St Michael's Hospice.
"There will be lots of feel-good songs, toe tapping and movement from us – and we hope there'll be dancing in the aisles," she said.
