A community choir has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The Paul Sartori Community Choir was set up in April 2022 to unite the community and raise awareness and funds for the charity Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Since then, they have helped the charity and other good causes by singing at joint fundraising concerts for St Mary’s Church in Haverfordwest and in Begelly.

The choir has attended more than 20 fundraising events, raising thousands of pounds for the charity and other good causes.

The choir has supported the charity’s Light up a Life concerts, and in 2024, this was held at St Davids Cathedral as a joint fundraiser for Paul Sartori and Shalom.

The choir also enjoyed more relaxed events like carol singing at supermarkets and attending outdoor events, including at The Old Point House and Fishguard Port.

This year, they also attended a wedding.

The choir is led by musical director Mark Heron, who has a special association with the charity.

Mr Heron said: "It is a privilege to lead this wonderful choir and to help support and promote the work of the charity.

"The choir brings a lot of happiness to choir members, myself and audiences alike.

"This is the true essence of what our choir is all about, and I very much look forward to what the next year brings."

The choir has had a big impact on its members, with many looking forward to the weekly rehearsals.

One of the members said: "I look forward to attending fundraising concerts, singing at local pubs, or outside supermarkets.

"I also enjoy the opportunity to sing with others such as the Milford Haven Town Band, Neyland Ladies, Haverfordwest Male Voice and others to fundraise for such a brilliant and caring charity."

Another said: "Following the death of my husband I felt I needed to embark on something new…It has been a blessing to be involved in this choir."

Plans for the future are to continue raising awareness and funds for the charity.

Their next performances include Haverfordwest Town Council Civic Carol Service in December, and carol singing and Christmas songs at Tesco Haverfordwest on December 21.

In 2025, they have another performance planned for the Paul Sartori Light up a Life Concert (in collaboration with Shalom) on Saturday, January 25, at St Davids Cathedral, collaborating with Bella Voce and Cwm Cerwyn Ensemble.

The Paul Sartori Community Choir was initially formed following a successful grant award from the Community Changemakers Fund delivered by South West Wales Connected (SWWCo), Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales (TFW) and 4theRegion.

There has also been a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund and support from Sigma Display who sponsored their A-frame promotional board.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home provide a range of services to people living in the final stages of a life-limiting illness in Pembrokeshire and the Paul Sartori Community Choir extends the support to the wider community.