Lockdown choir sings Stand By Me to raise £1m for NHS
A virtual choir of more than 150 singers has released a video of them performing “Stand by Me” in tribute to the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.
The group recorded themselves singing the classic track by Ben E King in their homes in hopes of raising £1m for the NHS.
Known as the Busketeers, the Essex-based choir was set up earlier this year by Andrew Small.
They launched their NHS campaign video just under a week ago, asking viewers to contribute £1 to NHS Charities Together, which is asking for donations to help fund accommodation, food, travel and counselling for NHS nurses, doctors, staff and volunteers battling Covid-19.
The aim is to convince one million people to part with £1.
Since the launch of the video on the Busketeers Facebook page five days ago, it’s had more than 76,000 views and raised more than £20,000.
One choir member was inspired to join and support the campaign after losing her brother-in-law to coronavirus.
Alison Warner, a retired NHS midwife, told Metro: “I am a midwife of 34 years recently retired and working for our NHS on the bank.
“I have been proud to work for and be a member of our NHS family, and want to do whatever I can to support this great British Institution during these worrying and unprecedented times.
“I have witnessed first-hand just how hard our NHS Frontline Workers work caring for our loved ones as sadly my sister Lyn lost her husband Ken on Easter Sunday to coronavirus.
“I love being part of this wonderful choir, and even though we can’t meet in person we continue to enjoy singing together during our weekly virtual sessions.”
The response online has been hugely positive.
One Facebook user commented: “I keep listening to it, so beautiful and emotional in these times.”
Another said: “What a fantastic choir and a brilliant idea to raise money for the NHS! I felt so emotional listening to this amazing cover version of Stand by Me! Well done everyone.”
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