Concert raises the roof for hospital charity
A concert held at the Octagon Chapel on 29 March 2013, raised an incredible £1,125 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Concert organisers decided to support the hospital charity and specifically NICU because Claire Moore, a singer with the Octagon Singers had recent experience of needing NICU.
Last year Claire Moore’s daughter Jenna-Anne was born seven weeks early and was cared for in the NICU at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. So grateful, Claire decided that she would like to raise some money for the unit. She mentioned this to her friend Mary Rae who offered the proceeds from the Good Friday concert at the Octagon Chapel. The concert, as part of the popular and successful Octagon Concert Series based at the elegant Georgian Octagon Chapel in Colegate, Norwich, has become an established event in Norwich’s musical calendar.
This good cause is very dear to the hearts of several performers in the concert. Octagon singer Lindsey Alcock’s son, Sam, 11, and composer Kenneth Ian Hÿtch’s 15 year old twin daughters were both cared for at the Special Care Baby Unit at the old Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
The concert on Good Friday 29 March 2013 was given by the Octagon Singers, a group in which Claire Moore sings, and an Invited Orchestra. The music was ‘Now on Land and Sea Descending’ by Handel, ‘Rejoice in the Lamb’ by Benjamin Britten, Contemplations upon a Requiem for Piano and Orchestra by Kenneth Ian Hÿtch and Requiem Mass in D minor K626 by Mozart. It was conducted by Mary Rae and Kenneth Ian Hÿtch.
The concert which was a huge success raised £1,125.00 for NICU through the NNUH NHS Foundation Trust Charitable Fund. Octagon Concert Series Organiser and Conductor, Mary Rae, said: “The Octagon Concert Series was delighted to help with the Good Friday concert, all the performers gave of their time for no fee or expenses so that all money raised could be given to this most worthy cause.”
Louise Cook, Fundraising Manager said: “It is lovely to hear how the work of our NICU staff is remembered by families. We are so pleased that all the children are now thriving and growing up. The money raised from the concert can have a massive impact as it means that the charity can look to buy items such as special Snuggle Up blankets for our premature babies. It is wonderful that people support the hospital charity and realise that we are a local charity which affects local people. If anyone would like to support us then please get in touch on 01603 287107 or email fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk.”
Claire Moore, her children Isaac, Jacob and Jenna-Anne, along with Mary Rae and Sam Alcock presented the cheque to nurses Stacey Dixon and Jodie McPherson on NICU ward this week.