A Bromley harmony group will be performing at The Glades shopping centre in Bromley, to help raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Viva Acappella was inspired to support the Stroke Association after a member of the group had a stroke in 2018 which left her with a language and communication disorder called aphasia.

The condition often profoundly affects someone’s ability to speak, read, write or use numbers. 

Viva Acappella member, Helen Hollingsworth, 60, from Gillingham said: “I had a stroke five years ago.

“I spent three weeks in hospital, and another two and a half months in rehab until I was allowed to go home.

“I was only 55 when it happened.

“I couldn’t read or write, and my speech was very affected.

“But thankfully with the support from the NHS and the Stroke Association, I was able to get support, guidance, and reassurance through my journey in life after stroke.

“Incredibly, although the stroke had hugely affected my speech, I was able to sing with no effects.

“It was such a relief that after all I’d been through, I was still able to fulfil my passion which is singing.”

She added: “My amazing family and friends have been so supportive; I can now drive again, I babysit my two grandsons while my daughter works, and every week I sing in a chorus, Viva Acappella, which I’ve done since I was 14 years old!

“I will never be quite the same again but thank goodness I’m still here and loving life.’

On Saturday, December 2, 20 members of the Viva Acappella will be performing in the Glades Bromley Charity Sing from 11am to 12:30pm.

Charlotte Lee, a Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “There are around 100,000 strokes every year in the UK and 1.3 million people are living with the devastating impact of stroke.

“We believe that everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke and we’re grateful to Viva Acappella for singing at The Glades to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

“As we know from this story of Helen, stroke can happen to anyone at any time, and it turns lives upside down. We are really looking forward to hearing the beautiful chorus perform."