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for taking the time to visit our Just Giving page.

Vivace Voices is a Tilehurst-based choir for female voices. We enjoy singing a very eclectic range of music, and every term we perform a concert at which we raise money for charity.

This term our chosen charity is the Reading & West Berkshire branch of Motor Neurone Disease Association. This phenomenal charity seeks to help everyone living with and affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland access the help and support they need.

We need your help to raise money for MNDA so they can continue their vital work helping people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Please consider donating whatever you can - every contribution makes a difference.

Mick's Story

Mick was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2022. His wife of 56 years, Lin, recalls that her once active husband who had enjoyed playing golf for many years and had more recently taken up bowls, had been poorly with Covid in 2020 and then, when he was well enough to get back to driving, she noticed that his foot was unusually ’heavy’ on the accelerator. Soon afterwards he started to experience weakness in his legs and so began rounds of hospital visits with Lin and Mick making endless trips back and forth for tests.

It took a full two years of visits and tests before the devastating diagnosis of motor neurone disease was made. Lin, Mick and their family had to come to terms with the knowledge that there is, as yet, no cure for this degenerative disease affecting the brain and nerves and that inevitably leads to death.

Lin describes how the local hospital caring for Mick put her in touch with the Reading and West Berkshire branch of MND Association. She says ‘They have been, and continue to be an incredible source of support. Connecting with others who are facing similar challenges has offered us both practical insight and emotional support.’

Mick was a very tall man, standing at 6’ 5”, and so faced some particular challenges as he became more disabled - extensions were needed on his bed and wheelchair, and even using a taxi was tricky because of his height. Lin’s local MND Association helped by providing the family with essential information, helpful advice and the reassurance that they were not alone.

As the steady physical and mental decline caused by MND took its toll on the whole family, the MND Association were able to offer respite care which Lin says ‘gave us much-needed time to rest and recharge, as well as complimentary massages to help ease the physical and emotional strain. They are always there - nothing is ever too much trouble.’

Sadly, Mick died in June this year and Lin is still getting used to the silence in the house now that her life companion is gone. The Reading and West Berkshire branch of MND Association continues to be there for Lin and her family - ‘being part of this community has made a lasting difference in our lives - they truly become an extension of your family.'

Vivace Voices Christmas Concert

DATE: Wednesday December 17th

TIME: 14:30-15:30 followed by a delicious buffet tea.

PLACE: St. Mary's Church, Church Lane, Burghfield RG30 3TG

Join us in making this event memorable while supporting an incredible cause!

THANK YOU!