Cantorion Creigiau Choir World Diabetes Day Concert

This weekend I was invited to come and give a little presentation at the Cantorion Creigiau Choir concert for World Diabetes Day 2014. The concert was in aid of JDRF UK the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation which is a charity that specialising specifically in supporting people with Type 1 diabetes through research, support and education. The concert was organised by a lovely couple - Bill and Barbara whose grandson Charlie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a few years ago. Charlie aged 4 (and with an insulin pump) was there with his family to watch his talented grandparents and their friends put on a great show for the 120 people who had all bought tickets to support the charity and hear the choir sing.

Cantorion Creigiau Concert In Aid of JDRF UK

My speech was just a quick one about what it's like to live with diabetes and a bit about what the condition is, as not everyone in the audience had heard about type 1 before, but hopefully they do now! Then it was onto the main event for the evening- the Cantorian Creigiau Choir, who are a mixed group of both men and women who can not only sing, but include comedy routines and sketches throughout the program too, which were hysterical. My particular favourite comedy routine being one on a 'Wenglish' (combination of welsh and english) story of Cinderella, which was a new take on the old story, as Cinderella was from the Welsh valleys and her 'ball' was at the local conservative club.

Wonderful Event Organisers Bill and Barbara 

There was an emotional part to the evening too listening to Barbara's amazing story of what the whole family go through on a daily basis in order to support Charlie and his diabetes. He's a very lucky boy to have such inspirational people around him and it was lovely to meet his Mum, Dad and brother and sister after the concert. There was a raffle on the night too which helped take the concert fundraising total to £1300! An astounding amount which will go a long way towards helping young children like Charlie, with diabetes. The event was exceptionally well organised and there was such a warm and friendly atmosphere, that I could have stayed chatting with the choir and the audience all night.

Me Giving My Presentation

Also amongst the audience was Danielle Angelle the South Wales and the West regional fundraiser for JDRF UK and the person who kindly invited me along to speak at the wonderful event and whose support is always fantastic for people who live with diabetes like myself. The Cantorion Creigiau choir are based in Pentyrch just outside Cardiff city centre and if you get the opportunity to see them, I would definitely recommend attending their concert! The choir's rendition of 'The Rhythm of Life' was so good, I challenge anyone not to be dancing in their seat to it.

Talented Members of the Cantorion Creigiau Choir