Composers from across the country have been competing to raise the roof by penning a special song to celebrate the care received by those with life-limiting illnesses at Nightingale House Hospice.
The choral competition was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary since the hospice was built on its current site on Chester Road.
Judges set entrants the task of writing an uplifting song to reflect the hospice and capture the essence of care provided to families during difficult times. The competition attracted entries from across the country, with beautiful messages and fantastic melodies.
The winning entry has been written by Alison Willis called ‘Hold your hand in mine’ the judges felt the lyrics of the song captured the warmth and comfort found within the hospice and experienced by patients, families and the hospice team.
Hold Your Hand In Mine is set to become a great anthem for the hospice and will be performed at forthcoming fundraising concerts and services.
Hospice Head of Fundraising Laura Parry said “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response we received from composers across the UK to enter this competition and be part of the hospice fabric.
“The standard of entry was incredibly high with a wealth of talent penning a great variety but Alison’s lyrics and music stood out as truly special. The song reflects the love and care we give to our patients and the connection between family members who are comforting and holding the hands of loved-ones with life-limiting illnesses. Congratulations to Alison on capturing the magic of the hospice in her music creation.
“We would like to thank all the entrants and the fantastic Judges, Matthias Wurz, Music Director, Cantorion Rhos and Côr Glyndwr, for his invaluable help and support with this competition. Matthias along with Tim Jones, Head of Music at Coleg Cambria and Charlotte Bailey, our Nordoff Robins Music Therapist at Nightingale House formed the judging panel.
‘Hold Your Hand In Mine’ by Alison Willis is expected to be performed by the hospice’s own choir Nightingales once Covid restrictions allow. In the meantime, choir members are excited to get started rehearsing this wonderful anthem as a true reminder of what Nightingale House Hospice stands for”.
Kay Ryan Hospice Day Services Lead said: “I am so excited that we have our own song to celebrate the work of the hospice. The words are as beautiful as the tune. I hope when anyone hears it or sings it as part of a choir that they will think of the help, support and care available here for those with life-limiting illnesses.”