Soon after Spangles gained a national silver medal at the SABS (Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers) annual convention in Benalmádena, Málaga, two chorus members took part in a 60 kilometre walk to help raise funds and awareness for the DEBRA charity, which is dedicated to helping people who suffer from the painful genetic skin condition Epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
Their mission is to offer specialist care to those who need it. They give support to people and families affected and provide real hope for the future by supporting pioneering research which will one day find a cure.
DEBRA focuses its work in three areas:
- They provide an enhanced specialist EB Nursing Service, to deliver optimal healthcare to children and adults living with EB.
- They provide social care support to help people live with dignity. This is a service parents and people with EB can call on, to reach out for advice, advocacy and emergency grants. We provide access to specially adapted holiday homes and opportunities for social interaction.
- They support pioneering research to find effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for EB.
Wendy Grant and Sandy Bailey were the only two fundraisers who actually walked the whole 60 kilometres and had been in training for several months before the event. “It’s a great way to get fit” Wendy remarked “and raise money for such a worthy cause. Anything that we can do to help make lives better for people with this debilitating skin condition is worthwhile.
We’re very grateful to all our sponsors, especially the Spangles girlies, for helping us to raise an amazing 410€, which went towards the final grand total of 5,600€ for DEBRA. Without your support people with EB would not benefit from these services.”
Spangles also raised a further 545€ at their February singout at the C Breeze cocktail bar in Playa Flamenca. They had a busy schedule of rehearsals, in preparation for the SABS contest, but were happy to take time out to go and sing at this annual charity event.
“We always get such a warm welcome from Derrick and the customers and staff at C Breeze; it’s an absolute pleasure to help raise funds for local charities” said Anthea Prentice, Co-Chorus Manager. “So far, we have donated 275€ to Los Infiernos Perrera Supporters (LIPS), who are always in need of support, and we will elect another charity for the remaining 270€ very soon.” If you think your charity should benefit, why not email Spangles at info@spangleschorus.com ?
Spangles is back in the rehearsal saddle once more and enjoying the freedom of learning some new repertoire songs now that the pressure of competition has abated. Their next singout will be at Spanglish in Balsicas on Sunday, 24 June.
Never ones to rest on their laurels, they will be back in contest mode later this year, in readiness for the SABS 2019 national chorus contest. “It’s an ideal opportunity for anyone who is thinking about joining a local chorus to come and see us. ” said Anthea.
Spangles is a ladies’ a cappella chorus, singing in four part harmony. They rehearse every Thursday, from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm at Centro Municipal Las Claras, Calle Helena, Los Narejos, Los Alcázares and visitors are always welcome. Find out more on their website: www.spangleschorus.com or email: info@spangleschorus.com
