Singing From The Heart

Warm up your vocal chords as national charity, Heart Research UK, wants people around the country to organise a singing event in the run up to Christmas (8-15 December). Soprano, Lesley Garrett CBE, is supporting the charity’s Sing for Your Heart campaign.

Lesley Garrett, CBE said, "Judging Celebrity Fame Academy showed me that singing is a fun way to raise money for charity and as long as your heart is in your performance it doesn’t matter if you don’t always hit every note. Order your information pack now and start planning your Sing for Your Heart event."

People around the UK will be organising concerts, singing karaoke, carol singing, busking or getting sponsored to sing to raise money for pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, Britain’s biggest killer.

Heart Research UK’s National Director, Barbara Harpham, said, "Most people know someone who has been affected by heart disease, for example you might have a friend who has had a heart operation, high blood pressure could run in your family or you may have lost a loved one to a heart attack."

"Singing for Your Heart is easy", she continues, "Many choirs, bands and performers have already started to plan concerts, pantomimes, or carol services over the festive period and it is easy to turn this into a Sing for Your Heart event as we’ll supply you with posters and stickers and even help to promote your event."

"If you don’t want to go to the trouble of organising an event, you could simply ask permission to carol sing in your local shopping centre, get people to sponsor you to sing all day or include karaoke in your Christmas celebrations. Singing for charity might be the perfect excuse to get your guests in the mood for some fun and help your party go with a swing! Whatever you decide to do, let us know about it."

As well has helping to spread a bit of festive spirit, singing can also be good for you. A study at the University of California has reported higher levels of immune system proteins in the saliva of choristers after performing a complex Beethoven masterwork. Singing is an excellent way of relieving stress and generating positive feelings and, when combined with exercise, is a great way to get a cardiovascular work out.

Order a free Sing for Your Heart fundraising pack today and start planning your event by calling Heart Research UK on 0113 234 7474 or email. Or you can visit the website for more information.

Note from Jane: On a personal note, my father had high blood pressure for years and on the 16th of July 2006 his heart finally gave up and he died very peacefully in his sleep. We requested no flowers at the funeral, instead asking that donations be made to the British Heart Foundation. If you can support this event, I would be very grateful. Jane