Founder of popular Padiham choir makes 'heartbreaking' decision to suspend it due to coronavirus ourbreak

Viv Storey, who founded Padiham Community Choir last year, said she had made the 'heartbreaking' decision to suspend weekly meetings because it had a lot of elderly members and several with health problems.

Viv, who broke the news to members this morning, said: "I am so sad to have to do this because the choir was set up to combat loneliness but with anything of up to 50 people turning up on Tuesdays and some of us who work in settings where we have contact with children and lots of parents it was felt to be the right decision.

"This is just for everyone's safety and wellbeing."

Aware that the decision could have an effect on several members who rely on the choir as a vital form of contact with the outside world, Viv has suggested a facetime session for members to sing together 'virtually' to keep everyone's spirits lifted.

She has also posted her phone number on the choir's social media page for anyone who feels lonely or needs help or any shopping.

She added: "One lovely lady from the choir has even offered to donate a toilet roll or a meal to a family."

Viv launched the choir after being moved by stories of many people in her hometown who felt lonely and isolated through their circumstances or lack of cash. The choir has become a huge success, performing at several different public events and at Christmas the singers were invited to sing on a festive charity single made by Padiham based comedienne Mel Moon.

Another successful community initiative launched by Viv is the Hugs for Free project to combat loneliness and help people face their troubles with a smile. Working with her friend and choir member Katie Bourgaise on the Hugs for Free mission the duo can often be found at the town's Tesco store giving out huge to those in need.

As uncertainty mounts over the coronavirus, Hugs for Free volunteers will this week be making potato pie meals for the vulnerable, elderly and those who are self isolating.

They have sent out an appeal for plastic takeaway style containers so the meals can be left on residents' doorsteps.

Viv added: "People are looking out for each other, this town is amazing in times like this. It's time like this we have to pull together and look out for each other and I hope that no-one will be afraid to ask for help.

"We still have a sense of humour but it is a very worrying time for so many people.

"But but we are all smiling through."