The residents at ExtraCare's Northampton retirement village were shocked to hear that Colin had passed away last month, and soon decided to raise money for charities chosen by the Vokes family, the British Lung Foundation and Motor Neurone Disease.

The group's musical director, Dot Bailey, said that the concert was an emotional day. "I chose songs which span the seven years that Colin had been with us. It was good to sing some of the past songs, some of the favourites of the time, like "The Rose" by Bette Midler and "You Raise Me Up" by Westlife. We all felt that we were singing to Colin, forgetting we had an audience.

"It went very well in spite of the emotion of the event. The choir were all very touched."

She explained that Colin's death had left the group at a crossroads, but that they have rallied together to cope. "We really are all best friends, we all live in the Village together, and everyone here loves it."

Resident Brenda Macintosh, who introduced Colin to the group seven years ago, said that he was greatly missed. "He was so talented, and had such a great sense of humour too. It's a great loss and it's very hard to carry on without him."

Several of Colin's family members were at the concert, and his wife Mary was presented with a bouquet of flowers at the end.

Picture: The Valentine Singers

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For further information, please contact:

Lucy Henson, PR officer
0789 105 3062
lucy.henson@extracare.org.uk