Cherry Vixxen singing group make festive return to RDH dementia ward
A local singing group, Cherry Vixxen, made a festive return to Royal Derby Hospital yesterday (15 December 2022), performing a number of Christmas songs for dementia patients at Ward 311 – around three months since they last sang for patients.
Organised by Dementia Key Worker Sharon Dunworth and key members of the ward team, it was a delight for patients and UHDB colleagues alike to see Pippa Ward and Dawn McGlashan make their return, supporting dementia patients and creating a special atmosphere in the lead up to the Christmas holidays.
Cherry Vixxen made their last visit to Ward 311 amidst an unprecedented heatwave in August 2022, and this time, during a cold snap that saw temperatures plunge across the country – highlighting the lengths the singing group has gone to bring a smile to the faces of our patients and those who care for them.
Sharon said: “Once again they have gone the extra mile in providing entertainment for those on our ward.
“Pippa and Dawn’s singing brings so much joy to our patients, and it was great to see them singing along and getting in the festive spirit to Christmas classics, old and new!
“We served tea, mince pies, and sweet treats to the patients – as well as handing out festive accessories and bells to jingle – which really added to the positive atmosphere and gave everyone, patients and colleagues, a huge lift in spirits.
“Cherry Vixxen, my colleagues and I are big believers in music therapy, and you can really see the difference it makes for patients, particularly those who otherwise find it difficult to communicate – who often are the first to sing, dance and get involved!
Cherry Vixxen began coming to our hospitals to perform after Sharon and Pippa met and became friends around three years ago, after attending a music event in Derby city centre together and bonding over a shared love of the music and values of the artist Prince.
Whilst making visits in recent years has been a challenge as a result of the pandemic, the two were “determined” to work together to enhance the experience of the patients on our wards.
Pippa said: “This is really important to me. I have relatives with dementia, I have seen how it affects people.
“However, I’ve also seen how the power of music can reenergise people’s brains and unlock their memories. It is so rewarding to be able to do this.
“I want to play any part I can in making the patients happy and comfortable, and not only that, seeing the joy it brings beats any other gig!”
Sharon added her thanks to Cherry Vixxen, praising the difference it has made for staff and patients alike: “Performances like this go a long way to show how our staff and the community always go above and beyond to support each other, and help make time in our care as comfortable as possible. We cannot thank Pippa and Dawn enough, as well as the tireless work of the team around me to support these activities – without them, none of this would be possible.”
If you’d like to hear more about Cherry Vixxen and their future performances, you can visit their Facebook page here >, or their Instagram page here >