5.01.26

Ruth Sings Médecins Sans Frontières Praises

Recently, Cox Mahon’s Finance Manager, Ruth Lewis, took to the stage as part of the Pan Euro Choir in support of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), raising funds through a heartfelt performance that was featured on Radio Ardonagh’s, ACT charity day coverage. We caught up with her to learn more about the experience, the inspiration behind her involvement, and what it meant to contribute to such a meaningful cause.

In this short Q&A, she shares her reflections on the day, the joy of singing as part of a community, and the impact of supporting a charity close to her heart.

How did it feel to have your choir performance featured on Radio Ardonagh?

It was a bit of a whirlwind experience as the piece was included by Radio Ardonagh’s producer at the very last minute.

Could you tell us more about the event you performed and what the atmosphere was like on the day?

I sing with a European Choir who meet up twice a year. The venue this time was a church in the middle of nowhere in County Donegal with no electricity, so it was all lit by candle. We weren’t sure if anyone would attend as it was up a steep hill overlooking the Atlantic and quite cold. The next time I looked, the church was full with standing room only. The audience was very supportive and enthusiastic. Our repertoire is taken from many different languages plus we sang in Irish Gaelic too which seemed to go down a treat.

The presenter mentioned your performance was linked to fundraising, what was it like combining singing with supporting such a worthy cause?

We normally raise funds for different charities when we perform but MSF seemed to resonate with lots of people attending as they gave generously.

How long have you been singing with your choir, and what initially encouraged you to join?

I was singing in Painswick near Stroud and one of the Choir Directors was also at the same event so she asked if I’d like to join her choir. The opportunity was a combination of singing and travel, my two favourite hobbies so I didn’t hesitate to say yes. That was several years ago now and I’ve made lots of friends in many different countries.

What pieces did you perform, and were any particularly meaningful or challenging?

Singing in Irish is quite challenging as the language is beautiful but not so straightforward. We were given an Irish lesson first to make sure that we were accurate plus a couple of our members are Irish speakers. Our repertoire is from many parts of the world such as France, Germany, Corsica, Spain, Georgia (near Russia), Ukrainian, Welsh etc. etc. We even included a bit of Moon River as we thought the audience might join in. A local poet – Andrew Roddy had given us permission to use his poem which our conductor had set to music so we sang this moving piece which was about his mother.

You mentioned fundraising for the MSF, what motivated you to support this charity?

MSF is such a cracking charity who provide amazing and much needed medical care all over the world.

How does it feel knowing that your performance contributed to raising money for such an important cause?

We were so thrilled that our lovely audience gave so generously to Médecins Sans Frontières.

Can you share anything about the total raised or how the funds will help?

MSF receives no government funding and their work relies upon donations. I like their independence as they deliver medical care speedily and flexibly to people who need their help.

What did preparation for the performance look like? Rehearsals? Nerves? Excitement?

We gathered together near Falcarragh in County Donegal from various European Countries several days before to practice and blend the choir. It was great to see everyone and wonderful to be in that place surrounded by mountains and beautiful empty beaches.

What did you enjoy most about taking part in the fundraiser?

Being in the moment with enthusiastic people to create lots of positive energy.

What would you say to colleagues considering getting involved in charity events themselves?

Seize the moment, get involved, you can make a difference.

Are there any future choir performances or charity activities you’re looking forward to?

We next meet in Berlin so plenty of magnificent buildings to sing in, fantastic music and opportunities for fundraising performances.

MSF – Doctors Without Borders – who they are…

MSF is an international humanitarian organisation providing medical care in more than 70 countries.

Since 1971, they have been treating people caught in complex crises and chronic healthcare emergencies around the world.

From their paediatric nurses to their off-road drivers, they are experts at working in fast-moving and highly-insecure environments. So, whether it’s launching a rapid response or delivering community care, they go wherever we are needed most.

In 2023, they admitted more than 1.3 million people to their hospitals and held more than 16.4 million consultations, including at mobile clinics and in refugee camps.

Their vital work often hits the headlines when there’s an emergency such as an earthquake, war or disease outbreak.

However, their teams are also running long-term medical programmes for vulnerable groups cut off from care or speaking out about unseen suffering and the policies that cause it.

Around the world, 365 days a year, they are there even when the cameras are not.

Adronagh Community Trust

Cox Mahon is part of the Ardonagh group of companies. Ardonagh run an annual charity day hosted by ACT (Ardonagh Community Trust). This year their ambitious target was £250,000 for MSF.

With events all over the globe by Ardonagh’s employees from running, cycling, whipped cream pies in to faces! And of course, singing concerts the target was reached.

Please watch the video below and listen to a snippet of the radio show including Ruth’s choir.