More than five thousand pounds has been raised for Dorset families affected by cancer through a Poole community choir supporting local patients with financial help.
The DCCF Choir is encouraging new members to join next year, as it continues raising money for the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation, which provides non returnable grants to help cover essential costs such as household bills and travel to hospital appointments for people undergoing cancer treatment.
Founded last year, the non profit choir now has twenty four members aged between twenty five and eighty, including cancer survivors and people personally supported by the charity, with all money from weekly subscriptions and performances going directly to the foundation’s work.
Poole residents Julie Barbary and her daughter Sophie Hinks both sing in the choir after receiving help during Sophie’s cancer treatment, with Julie saying the charity’s support helped her keep her home during an extremely difficult period and that singing together now gives them joy and purpose.
The choir was set up by local friends Maria Primmer, Tina Mereweather, Tina Edwards and Jane Legg, later joined on the committee by Lisa Moore, with the focus on enjoyment, wellbeing and mutual support rather than musical experience.
Members say rehearsals offer a relaxed space to sing, socialise and support others, adding that anyone interested can attend a free taster session and take part at their own pace.
The DCCF Choir meets from 7pm-9pm every Wednesday – starting again from January 7, 2026 – at Discovery Court Business Centre, 551-553 Wallisdown Road (at the Café Entrance). Subs cost £5 a week on a pay as you go basis.
See dccf.co.uk for more.
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