Health Minister acknowledges achievement of Altnagelvin Choir

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey this evening acknowledged the success of the Altnagelvin Hospital Choir in receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The prestigious National Honour, which is equivalent to the MBE, recognises outstanding contribution made to local communities by groups that voluntarily devote their time for the benefit of others.

The Choir received its award for their work in enhancing the cultural life of the hospital and the wider community of Londonderry, as well as raising funds for local and international charities.

Hosting a ceremony at Hillsborough in their honour, the Minister said: “This is a magnificent achievement and one of which you can all be very proud. I am delighted that the Choir’s contribution to the life of Altnagelvin Hospital and the wider community in Londonderry has been recognised. I am particularly pleased that your commendable fund-raising efforts have been acknowledged.

“During my recent visit to the opening of the new South Wing at the hospital I had the privilege of hearing the choir sing, which was a truly remarkable experience. The value of your work is obvious and everyone connected with the hospital and the wider community in the North West can be very proud of you as accomplished ambassadors.”

The award was presented to the choir by Dr Donal Keegan OBE, Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry, while the Minister presented them with a commemorative crystal.

Notes to Editors:

1. The former Altnagelvin Hospital Chief Executive Mrs Stella Burnside, founded the Altnagelvin Hospital Choir in 1994. She was aware of the value of the social benefits to be gained from a coming together of various disciplines on a regular basis. In addition, the aspiration of the choir was to reach out to all sections of the community and used concerts not only to fundraise but to cross the divides, singing in various venues.
2. Members of the choir come from all departments of the hospital including clerical/administration, pharmacy, medicine, nursing, ambulance.
3. The choir has charitably supported many projects including: ‘Save the Children’; ‘Marie Curie’; ‘Health for all’ clinics in Kajiado, Kenya (and has helped provide wells for water in that province); ‘Action with Effect’, raising money to aid a leprosy colony in India and local charity causes including raising money for the ‘All Saints Organ Fund’ and local hospice.
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