A CHOIR for people with disabilities faces an uncertain future unless it can recruit more volunteers.

Sing From The Heart was founded five years ago by Maralyn Adey, who was inspired by her son, Kristian, who had Down’s Syndrome and loved performing on stage.

Kristian, who had heart and lung defects, died in 2014, aged 29, and Mrs Adey says the choir is his legacy.

“The singers come from all over the district to sing every week, they learn all the songs by heart and we have regular performances,” said Mrs Adey. “They are very dedicated and say the singing is the highlight of their week.

“We have had the same team of volunteers for five years, but circumstances change and some people can no longer give up the time.

“We are in desperate need of more volunteers, it’s the only way we can keep the choir going.”

Mrs Adey said volunteering with the choir would provide experience in a variety of skills.

“As well as helping out with choir members, there are opportunities to learn to use a mixing desk and a sound system, and to assist me with vocal coaching,” she said. “It’s lots of fun and it’s very rewarding.”

“There’s no age limit, we just need people who like music and can help out at rehearsals and with transporting equipment to performances. We have quite a few Christmas shows coming up.”

The choir is for adults with learning and physical disabilities. The singers rehearse at Manningham Mills Community Centre on Fridays from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

Mrs Adey, who leads the vocals while her husband, Alvin, takes care of the technical side, said the choir, which relies on donations and fundraising to keep going, provides its members with a valuable opportunity to learn about music and to sing in public.

“We have gone from strength to strength as a group over the years; everyone loves to perform and they have all done so well. It’s a social meeting group as well as a choir," she said.

“It would be devastating if we could no longer continue - Sing From The Heart means so much to so many people.

“It is particularly close to my heart, and to Alvin's, because it is Kristian’s legacy. He loved to sing, his spirit is very much with this choir.”

Kristian was a keen singer and actor and belonged to a local drama group. In 2008 he and his mum appeared in Channel 4 drama Shameless.

* Anyone who would like to be a volunteer with Sing From The Heart is asked to call Maralyn Adey on 07770882404.