English Town Raises $24,000 in Cycling Challenge for Dementia Choirs

Often cycling is pursued just for fitness passion or as a fun pastime. However, over recent years, the sport has taken a giant leap in bettering the community through fundraising causes associated with it. Recently, Armonico Consort, a charity from Warwick has taken up a cycling challenge to pursue a noble cause. 

Through this cycling endeavor funds were raised that will be used to support the patients suffering from the terminal disease, dementia. Let us find out the innovator behind this idea along with other details about the event. 

Dementia choirs care homes

The event extended for a stretch of four days and covered a total of a 200-mile journey. The impressive initiative has been the brainchild of Oz Clarke who has acclaimed recognition in multi-faceted fields such as being a wine expert, TV presenter and singer.

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Oz set the mission of providing mini concerts by making a cycling tour to residents along with those suffering from dementia living in seven different care homes. It is through their captivating blend of Baroque music and popular songs along with the use of percussion instruments, that the performance engaged the audience encouraging them to sing and clap along the way. 

Having a strong background in singing, Oz shared his opinion with Warwickshire World about how music has a transformational impact on people suffering from dementia , “Music seems to stay in people’s minds when much else has been lost. That’s why we undertook this 200-mile challenge for a fifth successive year.”   

Expanding the extent of a memorable cycling ride

Based in Warwick, the initiative taken by Armonico Consort acquired its initial recognition with Warwick Memory Singers, its first community choir established in 2021. Established with the sole purpose of providing support and social engagement with the help of music prioritizing the individuals living with dementia and caregivers, the charity has come a long way starting from its inception to making a positive change with music in people’s lives.

During this season, the event has outshined all expectations by surpassing £20,000, the fundraising target. As a gesture of expressing his delight, Christopher Monks, the Artistic Director of Armonico Consort has conveyed his gratitude towards all their supporters who have assisted them including other fundraising events like cake sales and dog shows. Considering its high demand, the charity is hopeful about setting up additional musical groups to implement the ambitious £300,000 Encore appeal.  

As a part of the cycling journey, the Armonico Consort team covered the renowned cities of Worcester, Gloucester and Hereford also known as ‘Three Choirs’ cities. The endeavor showcased the role played by dedication and the uplifting power of music in making a positive impact on people suffering from dementia. Music continues to offer moments of joy, making a connection with others. 

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