Opera and Jazz raise a whopping £38,000 for força!
On Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June, world-renowned singers performed in a private garden against the stunning backdrop of the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve. The unique events have raised a whopping £38,000 for força - strength against cancer, which will be used to help people living with cancer in Hampshire and Dorset.
Attracting many who enjoyed the inaugural Opera picnic event in 2023, Saturday’s Opera in the Garden welcomed back Milford on Sea’s tenor Colin Judson, soprano Ellie Laugharne and mezzo-soprano Annabella-Vesala Ellis, with baritone Dominic Sedgwick. The talented Matthew Fletcher accompanied the quartet on the piano.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s Jazz in the Garden featured the ‘musical alchemist’ Barb Jungr performing well-known hits from her ‘My Marquee’ album, accompanied by Jenny Carr on piano, Dudley Phillips on bass and Jonathan Lee on drums.
Amanda Mann said, “THANK YOU for supporting força! I am thankful to 796 people for buying a ticket - thanks to a generous donation covering event costs, each ticket sale was a direct donation to the charity. It was great to welcome so many into my garden, this year for two amazing live concerts. The sun shone and the atmosphere was fantastic. I am really thankful to Lymington for getting behind me, it’s a wonderful achievement from all of us!”
Frauke Taylor, Chair of Trustees for força strength against cancer, said, “We are hugely grateful to Amanda for inviting us into her beautiful garden for a second year. Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and came along to these unique events - and to everyone who has made a generous donation.
Many thanks to Knight Frank and Kevin Thatcher The Holiday Fixer who provided sponsorship for the event. We are very grateful also to an anonymous donor who covered the event costs, meaning that the value of every ticket and every donation will go to support local people living with cancer.”
Run by a team of volunteers, força - strength against cancer is dedicated to raising funds to provide help for local people receiving cancer treatment, and to raise awareness of how lifestyle and diet can help and support those living with cancer.
Strength…by força provides practical help for individuals experiencing difficulties living with cancer, such as contributions to childcare costs, cleaning and items that ease living with cancer.
Since 2016 the Nourish…by força project has funded the provision of healthy, nutritious meals for people undergoing cancer treatment (and their families) at Lymington New Forest Hospital. This practical support means that patients don't need to think about cooking or what to eat when they are having treatment. Since the start of 2024, força has assisted families with over 1,000 nourishing meals.
And since 2019 the Support…by força project has funded and supplied supportive compression bras to women who have undergone a mastectomy, now at four local hospitals. So far this year over 145 support bras have been provided.
The charity has a number of new initiatives in the pipeline and is keen to hear from local businesses looking for sponsorship opportunities. Businesses interested in sponsorship should get in touch with the team at forcaagainstcancer@gmail.com.
To make a donation to força strength against cancer, please click here.
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