A CARE home resident has rekindled her love of singing after joining a choir dedicated to raising awareness of Parkinsons disease.
Barbara Millican thought she would never sing in a choir again after moving into Hazelgrove Court Care Home, in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, in October 2017.
However, the home’s activities coordinator, Sharon Lewis, found the Tremeloes Parkinson’s Choir, which both she and Barbara have since joined.
The choir, named after the tremors those with Parkinson’s experience, recently performed at Saltburn Community Centre as part of Parkinson’s Awareness Week.
Barbara said: “I like being part of a choir, just like before I lived at Hazelgrove. It’s lovely to be able to perform again as well.”
Sharon added: “It’s lovely to see Barbara doing something she loves so much. We discovered we both sang in the Gainford Choral Society, though at different times.
“It’s great to have the love of singing in common and it’s now something we can do together as part of the Tremeloes.”
Alongside the choral performance, the Parkinsons Awareness Week event at Saltburn Community Centre included a coffee morning and freely available information on the disease.
Hazelgrove Court Care Home volunteer Jenny Hassett also dressed a doll in the Parkinsons colours and ran a guess the name of the doll competition.
The competition helped towards a total of £376 raised on the day, which has been donated to Parkinson’s UK, to support those affected and help fund research.
The choir has been touring the region, performing at Stokesley Garden Centre and Redcar Primary Care Hospital, among others.
They are also planning on recording a song based on a poem written by another resident at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, Felicity Dobson.
“Would you Understand” is about the non-discriminatory nature of Parkinsons and how it affects those from all backgrounds.
Tina Temple, home manager at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, said: “We always take account of our residents’ hobbies and interests, so we can help them continue to take part and pursue the things they like while living here.
“Being able to give Barbara Millican the opportunity to continue singing as part of a choir is hugely important for her own happiness and health. Every time she returns from a session or event she has a huge smile and is already looking forward to the next.”
Hazelgrove Court Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
