SING from the Heart was set up in January 2013 because our son, Kristian, and his friend Alexander who had Down Syndrome and other health problems wanted to sing in a group.

I was inundated with requests to join. We set up with a £500 grant from the then Lord Mayor of Bradford’s (Cllr Dale Smith) appeal fund, Spread a Little Sunshine. Without this I don’t think we would have existed - and it has certainly spread a whole lot of sunshine over 10 years.

Sadly, Kristian passed away in May 2014. Sing from the Heart is Kristian’s legacy.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Maralyn and Kristian. Pic: Maralyn Adey Maralyn and Kristian. Pic: Maralyn Adey (Image: submitted)

The Bradford therapeutic music group was set up by myself and my husband, Alvin Adey, for adults with learning/physical disabilities.

I did some research and found that there were no singing groups or choirs in the area for adults with disabilities.

Both Alvin and I have been singing for over 20 years in various choirs. I sent emails to friends and disability groups to see if there would be any more interested people out there, and got such a positive response that I decided to set up my own group with Alvin, and we called it ‘Sing from the Heart’.

Our singers came from all over Yorkshire and the singers and their carers told us how much they loved coming and singing with us and that it has increased their confidence, independence, responsibility, learning ability, socialisation, working together in a group and taking instruction.

In 2020 we had to suspend meeting up to sing because of the Covid pandemic. We continued singing online by using Zoom, this led to difficulties, as not all our singers had support in using technology. Before the pandemic struck we had 16 singers. For various reasons when we were able to meet up again in 2022, only six singers could return.

So, very sadly, we have taken the decision to close the choir.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Choir members at a recent farewell party Choir members at a recent farewell party (Image: submitted)

We have many people to thank, not least Equality Together who have been our rock and support since they offered us rehearsal space at Bradford DAB in Dockfield Road in mid 2013, and later continued to help and support us at Manningham Mills.

We also thank all of our loyal volunteers and supportive carers, and all the people who believed in us enough to ask us to perform at their various venues and festivals, including Disability Rocks and BBC Music Live.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A cake to celebrate the choir A cake to celebrate the choir (Image: submitted)

Last week we had a final get-together. Here are some quotes from people who have been involved in Sing from the Heart:

Steve Armatage: “It was a great pleasure to have played a small role in Sing from the Heart, supporting Kristian, Alex and all the rest of the group. So many wonderful people brought joy to the group and we had the best fun, as well as giving some amazing performances.

“To all those who have been part of the group - members volunteers, supporters and donors and especially to Maralyn and Alvin, thank you for all your hard work and commitment and for bringing music and joy to all those who saw you perform.

“There were many serious performances undertaken by the group, but one song that always brings me to tears of laughter, when I recall practising with Kristian is....'What did the fox say?’

“On that note, I wish you all the best for the future. KEEP SINGING.”

Sally Black: “Kristian’s legacy through Sing from the Heart lives on in the wonderful passion you both bring to making the sun shine in the lives of living beings who would otherwise not see it. I wish the choir a great finale and long may their members hearts be filled with music.”

H Reid: “You should be and MUST be soooo PROUD of what you’ve done, not just in K’s memory, but the joy you’ve brought from your grief and shared with so many. You’re an amazing lady and K will be so proud of you.

“Go out there and party for him and you will be an example of strength, resilience and pure love in what you are doing and in what you have done.”

L Perry: “You and Alvin deserve a medal. The choir members shine when they’re performing. They love you and you obviously love them. You have such a natural, uncondescending way with them.

“It is truly the highlight of Jude’s week. She will cancel or rearrange all her other activities to go to choir. After the very sad death of your son we feared you would not want to continue, so thankyou so much to you and the other volunteers.

“And especially to Alvin - who works so hard behind the scenes. Nobody thinks of him until something doesn’t work.”