Carmel’s singing choir’s praises

Carol singers are a familiar sight and sound at this time of year, but being part of a choir has transformed the lives of stroke victims like Carmel Philipsz.
Carmel Philipsz suffered a stroke last year and is now recovering well. (d621a449)Carmel Philipsz suffered a stroke last year and is now recovering well. (d621a449)
Carmel Philipsz suffered a stroke last year and is now recovering well. (d621a449)

Carmel, who teaches at a school in Batley, joined Giving Voice after suffering a stroke 12 months ago.

She was found at her home in Morley by her teenage son, Dominic, just before Christmas last year.

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He acted quickly to ensure his mother was given medical attention after recognising the signs of a stroke for a TV campaign.

“Following the stroke I found myself living a sheltered existence going out briefly when accompanied,” said Carmel.

“Attending the choir has helped regain my independence.”

The Leeds-based choir was set up by NHS speech and language therapist Wendy Neill for people struggling with speech or swallowing disorders following a stroke or other impediment.

The choir, comprising about 15 men and women, serves as an aid to their gradual recovery.

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Carmel said: “Although I can feel tired afterwards I am energised through singing.

“By learning lyrics and recalling those, it is helping to improve my memory, which was slightly affected after the stroke.

“I have never been part of a choir but I was encouraged to join as I would be with people who have faced similar difficulties to myself.

“I am really glad that I did and I would encourage anyone, no matter what their neurological condition, to come along as it is good fun.”

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The group performed publicly for the first time at the Forget Me Knot Festival in Leeds in October and has sung in Leeds’ Trinity Shopping Centre.

Email [email protected] or call 0113 220 8528 for more details.

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