A barbershop singer in Kenilworth has been making jams, jellies, and chutneys this summer, all to help raise money for MDS UK Patient Support Group.

Judith Medlock is a member of Silver Lining Chorus, an all-female 'a cappella' group who sing four-part harmony.

The chorus, based in Coventry, is part of the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers, and currently has over 40 members.

When they're not singing, the ladies of Silver Lining are also eager fund-raisers, and Judith is no exception to this.

As well as having to finance venues, music, and outfits for their performances, the ladies also choose a charity every two years to support.

Supporting MDS UK this year, Judith has been making jams, chutneys, and jellies to help with the fundraising efforts, something which she has done many times before.

Selling her produce to fellow singers, neighbours, as well as members of the dancing and walking groups she is a member of, Judith has already made over £150.

"I have already raised more than I have in any other year," says Judith.

This is especially impressive given that normally the Silver Lining Chorus December show offers an opportunity for further sales, but is unlikely to take place this year.

Community comes together

Aside from the great fundraising that she and the chorus have been doing, Judith has also noticed a difference in the reception to her efforts this year.

"People have been very generous; I think this year there has been an even bigger community spirit."

The collective efforts within the community during lockdown have been well documented, but this kindness is clearly still evident.

Judith has been given donations of fresh produce from local people, which she then makes into her jams. She has also recently posted in the Facebook group 'Kenilworth Vibes' asking for jam jars.

"The Kenilworth Vibers have come up trumps with loads of jam jars for me to collect.

"I have been driving all around the town collecting bags and boxes of jars which has been brilliant."

Having a policy of "never saying no to more jars," Judith has now had to clear a unit in her garage to store all of them.

"I came back from my walk today and on my door step were six jam jars and two marrows!"

Whilst the supply of fresh fruit and vegetables continues, and jars are still available, the production wont stop.

Other members of Silver Lining have also been helping raise money.

One of the ladies has started making face masks, with the proceeds being donated, whilst the group as a whole also has an online donations page which is already over half way to reaching the £500 goal.

What is MDS?

Since 2008 the MDS UK Patient Support Group has strived to "raise awareness of MDS, offer support and information to patients and families and campaign to increase the quality of life and make treatments available to those affected by Myelodysplastic Syndromes."

MDS refers to a group of blood disorders where bone marrow fails to produce healthy blood cells.

Whilst MDS does not always lead to leukemia, it is a cancer that causes a gradual reduction in the bodies capabilities.

MDS UK Patient Support Group was chosen by Silver Linings after one of their members was diagnosed with the condition.

Thankfully she has received chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants, but the cause still remains very close to the hearts of all the members.

Back to Normal

As restriction measures ease, the chorus are hoping to get back to singing practice.

They have been keeping in contact over zoom during the past few months, learning a few new songs.

However, having to sing with their microphones turned off is not exactly ideal conditions for a group to practice with.

"The only time we sing together is when we sing happy birthday, and its hilarious because everyone is singing at a different time!"

When they return to full practices, hopefully in October, this will clearly be done with social distancing in place, and they are keen to encourage new members to join.

"There has been so much great stuff about mental health recently, and singing is so good for you, so we'd hope come October there may be more people who would want to come and join us."

For more information about Silver Lining Chorus please follow this link, and to donate to their fundraising page click here.