A group of musicians, including a Diabetes UK Volunteer, came together in song and community at the Temple Methodist Church in Taunton, raising £1,800 for the charity.
Choir groups Voce and Let’s Sing, and steel band, Steel the Show, were led by musical director Joe Beckhelling in a performance that lasted 1.5 hours. With over 120 members of the public in attendance, the event was a resounding success.
Sue Briggs, an active part of our volunteering community is a keen singer and songwriter, and member of the Voce Choir. She played a fundamental role in making the fundraiser happen.
“I had talked about doing a charity concert for a long time and it was my friend, Sarah who persuaded me that I could do this and set me on track.”
As well as organising the venue, co-ordinating the three music groups, and leading on the content for the performances, Sue struck a chord with the ears and hearts of the audience when her new song, Hermione – Alert and Alarmed, was performed by Voce.
“I composed a new song about my insulin pump, Hermione. I was delighted with how that came together, with the humorous personification of Hermione exactly as I had hoped for.”
What has Diabetes UK ever done for me?
Sue has been involved with us since she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 15 years ago. She has taken on a range of volunteering roles from providing peer support to other people living with the condition, supporting families of children diagnosed with type 1 and speaking at local events to help raise awareness of the condition.
Sue chose to give a talk to the audience, coined ‘What has Diabetes UK ever done for me?’ During the talk she spoke about the support she found through our online forum, and how she has given back through her various volunteering roles.
“I almost lost it when I stepped up to talk and I turned to thank the performers behind me as I looked out on a sea of faces. The response was so supportive from start to finish.”
Sue’s thank you
“Thank you to the local businesses and to friends of the organisers who donated raffle prizes, your generosity was overwhelming. To my husband, Jeremy who is always a quiet supporter for my ventures, and this was no different. He kept me grounded and reminded me to check on my diabetes management at the busiest moments.
“Thank you to all of Voce, Steel the Show and Let’s Sing, to Joe for directing the event and to Amber for her excellent publicity material. I was very grateful when Ann and Julie took on the organisation of the raffle. Their persuasive tactics worked wonders and they raised over £500.”
There are so many ways to support us, find out how your contributions can make a difference to people affected by diabetes.
