A vital local heart charity has received a significant financial boost of more than £2,000, thanks to the success of two community choir concerts held at the end of last year.
Remembrance Day Performance Raises £1,000
The fundraising efforts began with a special Remembrance Day concert on November 11, hosted by the Tredegar Orpheus Male Voice Choir. The event featured a poignant programme of well-loved wartime songs, led by Musical Director Pauline RodenSharpe. Choir Secretary Sheridan Jeffreys provided warm humour for the packed audience, while guest singer Stephanie Webber added sparkle with a set of musical theatre favourites.
The evening raised a total of £1,000 for the North Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation and Aftercare Charity through ticket sales and a popular raffle. The raffle prize, a hamper of Welsh treats, was generously donated by charity Trustee Gareth Davies and his wife Andrea. In a heartwarming outcome, the winner was 91-year-old Gordon Anthony from Tredegar, a man who has lived through multiple heart attacks and bypass surgery, embodying the positive impact of modern cardiac care.
Festive Carols Add £1,246 to the Total
The second concert took place on December 16, featuring the Crickhowell Choral Society's beloved Community Carols event at the historic St Edmunds Church. Families filled the 13th Century church to enjoy carols from the full choir, local primary school children, and the choir's talented Choral Scholars.
This festive evening raised an impressive £1,246, supported by a raffle for a Christmas hamper donated by Blaenavon-based GOS Tool and Engineering Services, and donations for refreshments. The raffle winner, Cyril Teasdale, also had a personal connection to the cause, as his wife had previously used cardiac rehab services at Nevill Hall Hospital.
Funding Secure for Vital Community Classes
The combined donation of £2,246 was formally presented to the charity, with choir Chairman Trevor White handing a cheque for £600 to Trustee Neil Gregory. Charity Chairperson Jacky Miles MBE described both concerts as "absolutely fabulous" and expressed profound thanks to all organisers and attendees.
"The support from the Tredegar Orpheus and the Crickhowell Choral Society means we can head into 2026 confident that we can continue to offer our ongoing community-based cardiac rehab exercise classes across the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area," she stated.
The funds will directly support the charity's work in providing life-changing rehabilitation and aftercare for local heart patients. For information on the charity's classes or to self-refer, visit cardiac-rehab.org.uk or call 07856 692 148.
