Thanks to a completely sold-out performance on Saturday, 13^th December, Ealing Choral Society’s annual choral concert has raised £7000 for Bereft Bereavement Counselling, serving the Borough of Ealing.

In the presence of the Worshipful the Mayor of Ealing and President of Ealing Choral Society, Councillor Anthony Kelly, the choir, one of London’s very best, conducted by Peter Asprey, performed a variety of festive pieces to raise much-needed funds for Bereft Bereavement Counselling, Ealing, a charity providing support for those who have lost loved ones.

The capacity audience at St Barnabas Church, Pitshanger Lane, Ealing enjoyed singing and listening to much-loved carols and seasonal readings from Christopher Wickenden of Haven Funeral Services (sponsor of the concert programme), broadcaster and ECS Associate John Sergeant, Bereft Manager Jennifer Pitt, and ECS Chair Samantha Horne, and a personal story from his own experience by Godfrey Thomas, read by his daughter. The evening was rounded off with mince pies and mulled wine in the hall.

Bereft Bereavement Support was established 25 years ago to provide specialist counselling for adults over 16 in the Borough of Ealing experiencing loss. Grieving affects everyone differently, often causing loneliness, anger, guilt, or even physical pain, and can feel overwhelming. Friends and family may not always understand or want to discuss difficult emotions. Speaking with a bereavement counsellor can offer needed support when one feels alone.

“Bereft’s aim is simple, though not easy to achieve in the current economic times: to continue to enable its skilled and caring counsellors to support bereaved and distressed people through a life-changing emotional journey. We are delighted that Ealing Choral Society is helping us to achieve this vision through their support this Christmas,” Deirdre McLellan, Bereft Trustee/Counselling Supervisor, Bereft Bereavement Counselling.

If you would like to know more about Bereft Bereavement Counselling and how you may help, please visit their website. If you wish to donate to the charity, please visit the Just Giving page set up for the concert.