Voices of MND community take part in concert

A choir filled with people whose lives have been affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) will take part in a concert to raise money and awareness of the condition.

Voices of Hope choir were brought together by Mel Upton, who volunteers with the North Wiltshire Group of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) - a charity that supports those living with the disease and their families.

Many had never sung before and Ms Upton coached them in 10 rehearsals ahead of their concert at the Ellendune Community Centre in Wroughton, at 18:30 BST.

"I felt it was really important to raise awareness for MND and my skills are singing so I thought I could bring a big choir together," said Ms Upton.

Mark Quantick, who is involved in the choir, said: "I'm looking forward to the show, but it's going to be very emotional."

A former plumber, he began noticing symptoms when he struggled to complete everyday tasks at work.

"I realised I couldn't lift radiators that I used to throw over my shoulder," he said.

Mr Quantick was later diagnosed with MND - a rare neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness.

More than 5,000 people in the UK live with the disease and life expectancy is typically just a few years after diagnosis.

Ms Upton said she and her daughter wrote a special song for the event, The Love Inside, inspired by words shared by people living with the disease.

"The words are beautiful and really well meaning," she said.

The choir includes hospice workers, people living with MND, those who have lost loved ones and friends of the MND Association.

Mr Quantick's MND has affected his breathing, swallowing, and mobility, but he says he remains optimistic.

"I'm fortunate my MND has progressed slowly. The biggest challenge is getting up on my feet.

"I've coped quite well - I'm a positive person. But it's difficult when you know what it's leading to."

Mr Quantick's wife, Wendy, will be singing in the choir and has supported him throughout his diagnosis.

"Day-to-day tasks can be a struggle, but we manage. He likes to stay independent - he doesn't want me doing everything for him," she said.

Mrs Qunatick added the performance will be both therapeutic and emotional.

"I think it's going to be tough," she said.

"There are songs he's always sung along to without thinking - but now the words hit differently. They're very poignant."

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