Cornish Singers Raise £6,000 for Child Bereavement Charity

In an inspiring act of community support, the Cornish acapella group Oll an Gwella, renowned for their folk and shanty tunes, have donated £6,000 to Penhaligon’s Friends, a charity dedicated to supporting bereaved children throughout Cornwall.

A Decade and a Half of Harmonic Generosity

Oll an Gwella, meaning ‘all the best’ in Cornish, evolved from the Newquay Male Voice Choir fifteen years ago and has since delighted audiences with their extensive repertoire of over 100 songs. Their performances not only entertain but also serve a greater purpose; each event supports a local Cornish charity, a commitment that has allowed them to donate over £55,000 to various causes to date.

This year, the group’s chosen charity is Penhaligon’s Friends. Rob, a member of the group, expressed his satisfaction with their decision, acknowledging the critical support the charity provides to young ones facing profound grief.

The Impact of £6,000

Penhaligon’s Friends has been a pillar of support for bereaved children since 1995, helping numerous families navigate the emotional turmoil of losing a loved one. The funds raised by Oll an Gwella will finance three special ‘memory days’ that offer therapeutic activities and a supportive space for children and teenagers, encouraging them to express their feelings and find comfort in shared experiences.

Julie, Chief Executive of Penhaligon’s Friends, conveyed her gratitude towards the group: “The children we work with find it helpful meeting others who have faced similar losses. These memory days are vital for them to feel understood and supported.”

See Oll an Gwella Live

Oll an Gwella continues to share their musical talents across Cornwall. Their upcoming performances include:

• 4th May, 1:30 PM: Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, Cornwall International Male Choral Festival
• 18th May, 12:00 Noon: Mini Shanty Festival, Newquay Harbour
• 6th June: Royal Cornwall Show
• 11th August: Boardmasters Festival

For more details on their performances or to support their cause, visit ollangwella.co.uk.

Supporting Penhaligon’s Friends

To learn more about Penhaligon’s Friends and the essential work they do for bereaved children in Cornwall, please visit penhaligonsfriends.org.uk.

Through their music and community spirit, Oll an Gwella not only preserves the cultural heritage of Cornwall but also amplifies the impact of local charities like Penhaligon’s Friends. Their upcoming events promise not only enchantment and entertainment but also a continuation of their commendable charitable efforts.