Choir event raises over £7,000 for Sussex Cancer Fund

170 singers from Choir&Ko joined for a magical evening in the Chapel of Saint Saviour at Ardingly College.

Attendees described an ‘electric’ atmosphere as the choir performed, with a moving rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ standing out as one of the evening’s highlights.

This service was provided by the choir for free, with many travelling from across Sussex and Surrey to perform on the night.

The event raised an amazing £7,050 for the Sussex Cancer Fund, significantly helping the charity’s quest to make life better for cancer patients in Sussex.

Sussex Cancer Fund helps cancer patients from across the area by contributing to the funding of equipment, facilities, services and selective research programmes that make a tangible difference for patients who are often on a difficult and stressful journey.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “We were absolutely thrilled by the community's overwhelming support in attending the event, buying raffle tickets, drinking huge amounts of tea and coffee, eating delicious cakes and purchasing drinks at the bar.

"The audience filled the College Dining Hall and the Chapel with wonderful energy, warmth and generosity.”

The event was supported by 47 volunteers from many community groups - including Cuckfield Lindfield & Haywards Heath Rotary, The 41 Club, Hurst Pretenders Walking Football Club, The Triangle's Walking Netball Club, Burgess Hill Running Club and individuals.

They also had volunteer teams running the bar, catering, meet & greet services, health & safety, selling raffle tickets, making cakes, collecting payments and directing car parking.

They continued: "Our sincere thanks go to all the team leaders and volunteers who worked so hard to make this event a success; the camaraderie, energy and enthusiasm were there for all to see.

“This experience of successful multi-community group volunteering in Mid Sussex means we can organise large events in the future with real confidence.

“We had some excellent raffle prizes donated by local groups and businesses, which contributed massively to our raffle ticket sales - so a big thank you to them for these donations. Thank you also to the Southdowns Magicians who entertained guests in the Dining Hall with close-up magic - and to all our various suppliers who were so helpful.

“Finally Ardingly College were terrific hosts and even arranged the washing up - of which there was a mountain! Thank you.

“All in all - a superb event that was fun to plan and deliver.”

You can find out more about Sussex Cancer Fund at https://sussexcancerfund.co.uk/