VOICES united in support for Prospect Hospice took part in a singathon in memory of the founder of the Cotswold Voices choir.

The group raised more than £8,000 for the Wroughton-based hospice in memory of Jeanie Pugh, who died in the hospice’s care late last year.

They held the singalong in the Brunel Centre last month before they handed over a cheque for £8,362 to the charity. Jeanie had been one of the driving forces behind the choir, which was formed by choirmaster Joe Moore and members living in and around the village of Langford, near Lechlade.

Since it was formed five-and-a-half years ago, the Cotswold Voices’ ranks have swelled to around 70 singers, many of whom came along to be photographed for a cheque presentation of the money raised.

Jeanie died at Prospect Hospice in December last year, aged just 61.

In tribute to her, the choir approached the Brunel Centre, who agreed to the singers bringing their voices to the shopping centre on May 9.

“Most of what we raised came through sponsorship money,” said fellow-founder Rowan Harris, who also organised the singathon.

“But we also raised almost £1,600 through the buckets that we had with us on the day.”

And he said the programme on the day was varied, to suit all tastes as shoppers passed through.

“We sang all kinds of songs, from the 60s up to the present day,” he said.

“We needed a lengthy repertoire to cover the six hours, but the people in the Plaza on the day clearly seemed to enjoy it.”

It was particularly poignant for the members of the choir because they were joined for much of the day by Jeanie’s son and daughter, Steven and Kelly, her husband Richard, and her dad George.

“They were particularly touched at how many turned up to take part and give their all to raise the money, and Kelly gave some lovely words of thanks,” said Rowan.

Prospect Hospice’s community fundraiser Amy Francombe said: “The Cotswold Voices have done incredibly well with their fundraising for us, and we are very grateful to them for their generous support.

“The singathon seems a very fitting way to raise funds in Jeanie’s memory.”