Sparky Parkys Choir Receives Over £5,000

Thursday, 2 February 2023 at 12:30

£5,340 has been donated to a musical charity that helps islanders living with Parkinson's disease.

Aureole Music combines singing with speech therapy, to help with the diseases effects on vocals by 'rewiring' the brain.

Parkinson's is a degenerative disease that targets the brain and causes difficulties due to shakiness, this includes vocal decline, as well as movement and balance.

Nicki Kennedy, Creative Director, says she sees measurable improvements all the time.

"I'm completely delighted and we're constantly astonished by the improvements."

"Many of our members are reporting not just that they feel stronger in their voices but that friends of their are commenting on it."

20 islanders who are living with Parkinson's disease have formed a choir called the Sparky Parkys as a result of going to therapy sessions.

The group also mixes song and language therapy on top to make the sessions more enjoyable as well as making it more effective.

Nicki says the therapy can be life-changing for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

"They report improvements in their voice and ability to communicate, as well as an increase in their confidence."

"Importantly, they also feel valued and part of a tightly knit community."

The Jersey Community Foundation which helps a number of causes around the island, has provided the group with the bonus, which will go towards paying for specialists, hiring the hall and most importantly tea and biscuits.

The choir, and their carers, meet up at St. Andrew's church every Friday afternoon to learn popular songs that they can perform to their family and friends.

If any islanders are living with the disease, Parkinson's Jersey can help to find the support they need.