A CHOIR are hoping to sing their way to £1million for the NHS to support staff battling the coronavirus... without ever leaving their living room.

More than 150 singers who are part of the Busketeers group all sent videos of themselves belting out classic tune Stand By Me.

Musical director and founder Andrew Small, 32, then put together the stunning video which has gone viral and already raised more than £26,000.

Thousands have donated cash with a whopping £25,000 collected in six days.

 

Andrew, 32, from Colchester, said: “We started out in January with an aim to support charities and raise £1million.

“Then I saw the NHS Charity Together Appeal and the two just matched up.

“I asked the choir members, from four groups, to send in a video of them singing Stand By Me and I used about 160 to put together into one big video.

“I am so proud of the singers and the support has been amazing.”

Jo Jenner, 40, from Bures, was attending the choir based in Writtle with mum Sandra Featherstone and pal Ingrid Ransome, both from Colchester, before lockdown hit.

They all sent in their contributions for the video and are still attending online rehearsals.

“Firstly, Andrew asked us to send in our videos but didn’t say what it was for - it was all a bit cloak and dagger,” she said.

“He put it together and it looks really good.

“He is brilliant - he had the idea when he started the choir to try and raise £1million for charity through busking.

“Obviously we could not busk so he tried to do it all at once.

“Carrying on while we are in lockdown is so important.

“For me singing is a form of escapism and relieving stress.”

To donate visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewSmall7