Local man inspires choir to raise over £700 for Alzheimer's UK
A man who inspired the Taunton Male Voice Choir to stage a fundraising concert in aid of Alzheimer’s UK in Oake on Saturday (25 November) has said he is delighted that over £700 was raised by the event.
Peter Vann, whose wife Carole has been living with dementia since 2015, contacted the choir in June to suggest Alzheimer’s UK as a beneficiary for one of the 10 charity concert they aim to perform each year and was delighted to have his proposal adopted.
He also suggested to the team at Camelot House and Lodge, where Carole has been living for the past four years, that tickets for the concert would be a great way to thank staff for what he described as the “wonderful” way they care for their residents.
As a result, a group of 10 staff and residents travelled to Oake for an evening of rousing choral singing, enjoying many classic favourites such as Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and Bring Him Home from Les Misérables.
Peter Vann said: “Alzheimer’s is such a cruel disease and having supported Carole myself for the first four years of her illness, I know how challenging it can be to care for people who are affected.
Peter (82) supported Carole (79) at home until his own heart issues required an operation and a period of respite, at which point things changed. While Peter was convalescing, Carole was cared for in three different institutions, which was difficult for both of them, before she was eventually admitted to Camelot House and Lodge.
Peter Vann said: “We will have been married for 60 years next year, but Alzheimer’s changes so much about the person you love, and it just isn’t always possible – especially when you have health issues of your own – to provide the right level of care for a loved one who is affected, however much you want to.
“The team at Camelot House and Lodge are so caring and provide such wonderful support for Carole that I know I can relax in the confident knowledge that she is receiving the best of care.”
Sam Paddon, head of care at Camelot House and Lodge, said: “We had such positive feedback from the group who went to Saturday’s concert, and were grateful to Peter Vann for suggesting the outing, and in awe of his dedication in getting the choir to adopt Alzheimer’s UK as their charity of choice for this concert.”
Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir can trace its roots back to 1946 and has been singing under its current name since 1974. With a repertoire that offers something to suit every kind of musical taste, the choir has travelled extensively, performing in prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and participating on five occasions in the Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival. New members are always welcome, and details can be found at www.tauntondeanemvc.com
Camelot House and Lodge is one of four specialist dementia care homes run by award-winning care provider Camelot Care who have other homes in Bridgwater, Plymouth and Yeovil. Details at www.camelotcare.co.uk
