Morriston ED Choir's arena gig invite
The Morriston Emergency Department Choir will swap blue lights for the spotlight this month after receiving a special invite from Mal Pope.
The popular Welsh broadcaster and singer songwriter has asked the choir, made up of staff from Morriston Hospital’s ED, to perform as part of his Homecoming concert in Swansea Arena on Wednesday, 8th October.
And in a lovely display of altruism, Mal will donate 10 per cent of the profits from the gig to Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Cwtsh Clos Appeal, which he has been championing for the past 18 months.
The charity wants to raise £160,000 to help refurbish five two-bedroom homes, which are used to accommodate families with babies in Singleton Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Mal’s generous offer is expected to help the charity reach its target.
Sadly, his involvement in the appeal came about through personal heartbreak and family tragedy after his grandson, Gulliver, spent several days in NICU before passing away.
Mal said: “My little grandson, Gulliver, was born at 21 weeks and was taken into the NICU unit. They were wonderful with him. They tried their very best but he didn’t survive.
“However, I was so blown away by their care – not just physically, but emotionally. They looked after the whole family so I said, ‘If there’s ever anything I can do to help?’”
The choir was formed in January 2018 by ED staff members as a social outlet to build well-being and provide an escape from the daily pressures faced in the NHS.
Since its inception, the choir has gone from strength to strength. Members have had the opportunity to produce a charity single with Heather Small, perform on the BBC Covid Memorial Commemorations, and appear on Michael Ball’s Showtime on BBC.
They were also proud to provide musical accompaniment for the Welsh Government celebration of 75 years of the NHS in Cardiff and have undertaken countless concerts to raise money for various local and national charities.
Now they are set to sing on their home city’s biggest stage.
Mal said: “I have the Swansea ED choir coming along. They are going to be performing in the foyer but also on stage with us for a couple of songs as well.
“It’s a secret when and how they are going to join me on stage.
“They work all year round, raising money for the health board. They have a great musical director called Jonathan Lycett, who I have worked with lots of times, so I know they will be top-notch. I think they are deciding what to wear but I want them in their scrubs.
“Hopefully it will be a special night for them as well to perform on the stage in Swansea Arena.”
Della Llewellyn, Clinical Nurse Manager and choir member, welcomed the invitation to perform on such a stage.
She said: “The Morriston ED Choir has been at the forefront of supporting staff well-being within Swansea Bay University Health Board, bringing laughter and joy to those who work tirelessly to support our local community.
“From absolute novices to where we are today, we owe our growth to Jonathan Lycett’s guidance, expertise, and unwavering encouragement. His support has helped us build a choir we are truly proud of.
“We have had the privilege of performing on stages we never would have dreamed of, and the invitation to perform alongside Mal Pope in support of the Cwtsh Clos Appeal is one of our greatest honours.
“This initiative, which raises funds to provide homes for families with babies in NICU, is such a worthwhile cause. It is a small way we can give back to families in need during an incredibly challenging time.
“We look forward to every moment of this performance and hope to make a positive impact, doing the cause proud.”
One of the choir’s founders, Debra Clee, added: “We are delighted to be asked to perform and join Mal on stage for such a worthy cause.”
By joining Mal for this special night of music, reflection and celebration, you’ll not only enjoy an incredible performance but also help Swansea Bay Health Charity make the Cwtsh Clos vision a reality for families across Wales.
Tickets for Mal Pope’s Homecoming Concert are available now:
https://bit.ly/MalPopeSwanseaArena2025
Blue Light Card holders: Mal has generously given a 25% off discounted link for staff to use. If you have a Blue Light Card, click here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/mal-pope/swansea-arena/calendar/?cr=BLUELIGHT25
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