A HIGHCLIFFE based choir has raised £50,000 for the Macmillan Unit hospice at Christchurch Hospital.

Diamond Divas is celebrating reaching the £50,000 milestone after pledging to support the unit 10 years ago.

Since then, every performance, concert and care home appearance has generated funds for the hospice.

Choir co-ordinator Josie Spicer said: “Reaching £50,000 was a very proud moment for us all.

"Not least because during the last few years under Covid we were unable to perform, but carried on raising money by selling jams, pickles, plants and books at the front gates of various members and with the ongoing support of other local groups.  

“To celebrate our £50k milestone, we held a coffee morning, fundraising of course, in the garden of one of our members.   

“More than 80 choir members past and present, our families, friends and supporters helped us make the event a great success, raising a total of over £1300 in just two hours.

“The cake stall sold out and the plants, books and craft stalls sold well. And the raffle raised £525, thanks to the many local businesses who supplied us with very generous prizes."