An all-Wales choir group have sung their hearts out to raise over £14,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Choirs for Good picked the Wales Air ambulance as its Charity of the Year for 2023 after it received an ‘overwhelming’ majority of the chorister’s votes.

The not-for-profit social business is made up of 12 choirs, all of which are spread out across Wales. Over 450 members meet on a weekly basis with a vision to create a world where choirs are placed at the heart of local communities.

Izzy Rodrigues, Choirs for Good Co-founder, Director and Choir Leader of said: “As the year progressed it became more apparent that many of our singers had a personal reason or connection for voting for Wales Air Ambulance. As choir leaders, we started to hear of stories from our choristers about the support they had received from Wales Air Ambulance.

“Many of our choristers and choir leaders learned a lot about the Charity this year. Many of us didn’t realise the level of care that can be given from the Wales Air Ambulance, such as open surgery at the side of the road.

“We also learnt about the rapid response vehicles and the vital after care service provided by the team. Patients and their families who have been impacted by the service have probably been through something life changing or have lost loved ones, leaving behind a lot of trauma and grief to process. So, the pastoral support given by the Charity is perhaps a lesser-known service but just as important to those who need it.”

During the year, the choirs gave over 120 performances across Wales and the south west. 46 of those performances were raising money specifically for the lifesaving Charity. The fundraising included collections at shopping centres, ‘busking’ in the streets and sparkly concerts.

Choristers also held socials, raffles and one of its members, Veronica Patrick, even took up an individual year-long “Tryathlon” challenge – which saw her raise £1,300 for the cause.

Last year the choristers raised more than £6,500 for Blood Bikes Wales.