Three households from the Midlands region have been crowned winners in a national doorstep carol singing competition that successfully raised £50,000 for Strathcarron Hospice in Scotland.
The Festive Campaign and Its Impact
Inspired by five Scottish schoolboys whose viral doorstep carolling captured hearts, the #RingAndSing campaign by Ring invited households across the UK to share their festive performances. The initiative came at a poignant time, with 96% of Brits believing the tradition of carolling is in decline. The campaign's dual aim was to revive this cherished custom and generate vital funds for palliative care.
Mags McCarthy, CEO of Strathcarron Hospice, expressed profound gratitude for the community effort. "This generous donation from Ring, made possible through the Denny Boys’ #RingandSing campaign, is a powerful example of community generosity in action," she said. "The support will have a lasting impact, helping Strathcarron Hospice continue to provide vital end of life and palliative care for patients and families across our community this Christmas and beyond."
Meet the Winning Midlands Carol Singers
The competition ultimately selected five winning households from across the nation, with three hailing from the Midlands. Each winning group will receive a £1,000 Amazon Gift Card and a Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro for their home and every household on their street.
The Midlands victors impressed the judging panel, which included the original Denny Five schoolboys, with their unique approaches:
- Sophie Cowling, 42, and Naomi Cearns, 41, from Nottinghamshire won praise for their creative inclusion of their dogs and a clever, personalised adaptation of classic carol lyrics.
- Lindsey Reid, 46, Elaine Hook, 73, Michael Hook, 75, Lee Hamblett, 60 and Tracy Bright, 47, from Oldbury, West Midlands delivered a stunning choral performance of a beloved Christmas classic that left the judges in awe.
- Kellie Price, 45, David Price, 52, Lamin Jarju, 49 and Eileen Kelly, 74, from Birmingham stood out with their brilliant festive costumes and infectious cheer during a rendition of 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas'.
A UK-Wide Celebration of Festive Spirit
The competition also celebrated winners from other parts of the UK, showcasing the breadth of talent and community spirit. Archie Shuttleworth, 8, and Arabella Shuttleworth, 5, from Hyde, Cheshire particularly charmed the judges with a sweet performance of 'Jingle Bells'. Meanwhile, Luke Stonebank-Coates, 15, and Libby Stonebank-Coates, 12, from Springwell Village, Gateshead brought a magical atmosphere to their version of 'Silent Night' with dazzling fairy lights.
The #RingAndSing campaign has proven that the tradition of Christmas carolling remains alive and well, uniting communities for an excellent cause and spreading festive joy from doorstep to doorstep.
