42 tcf.org.uk TCF NEWS | FUNDRAISING ROUND-UP Eleanor’s Concert by Peter and Kathy Haigh We lost our beloved daughter Eleanor, our only child, on 2 September 2022, at the age of twenty six, five days after being diagnosed with encephalitis. Since that awful time, we have received incredible support from both The Compassionate Friends and Encephalitis International. We have especially benefited from both local and national TCF support. Via friends, local TCF volunteer Carol came to see us and we subsequently became involved. It’s been a godsend. Last year we were involved in a variety of fundraising events to support the work of TCF; a coffee and bring and buy morning, local Town Council community charity market stall, raffles, and, the highlight, a summer ball in conjunction with a local dance school. As a group we were delighted to raise £6000. In August 2023 we attended a TCF retreat weekend for parents bereaved of their only child or all their children, which was an immense source of comfort and support. Admittedly it took us some time to commit to going. Then we were dubious about going. Were we doing the right thing? Should we pull out? No, everyone involved ‘just gets it’. If you haven’t been on a TCF weekend or are undecided about going, we can thoroughly recommend it. Just invaluable. Subsequently, we wanted to do something ourselves to support the amazing work of TCF. Eleanor grew up singing with two local award winning choirs. Masquerade Choir all through primary and secondary school, then in sixth form also with Belcanto Ladies Choir, both choirs having the same local legendary musical director. She continued to sing with Belcanto when home from university and subsequently when work commitments allowed her to come home for a concert. Eleanor loved her ‘choir families’, making many special friends, some of whom sang at her Service of Thanksgiving, and had so many wonderful experiences with both choirs. With Masquerade she enjoyed taking part in Llangollen International Eisteddfod Festival and winning three times, winning BBC Radio 3 Children’s Choir of the Year and performing at London’s Cadogan Hall. She sang with Masquerade on the first album released by a choir member after she reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent. Belcanto have been a winner at Llangollen International Eisteddfod, North Wales Choral
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