Mark Stephenson, CEO of PWS, has sponsored the Military WAGS Choir Catterick to record the Harmonies for Heroes CD, in aid of Help For Heroes. Harmonies for Heroes stemmed from a song, Dancing With You, written by PWS’ press officer, Jill Lundberg, several months ago. The song’s lyrics are inspired by the experiences of military wives and girlfriends, how singing and music helps them cope when their partners are away from home. The Military WAGS were approached to record the song, and together with two bands from Swaledale, created a seven-track CD.
Mark Stephenson is extremely supportive of both the WAGS Choir and Help For Heroes charities. As a WAGS trustee, he donates a range of clothing to the 40-strong choir to wear for performances and travelling to and from concerts. Mark donated four self-help kitchens to the local Help For Heroes Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick and a further three kitchens to the new Endeavour Recovery Centre in Plymouth. PWS also regularly host vocational training visits for Help For Heroes residents. In 2013 Mark was awarded a Help For Heroes Hero Award in recognition of his generous support of the charity.
Comments Mark Stephenson, CEO at PWS: “It was my pleasure to sponsor the ‘Harmonies for Heroes’ CD. Sales of the CD and itunes download will raise valuable funds for the great work of Help For Heroes. I know the choir found it an exciting and fun project to work on too. I sometimes forget the WAGS are not professionals, they make a beautiful sound and I’m sure many people will gain much enjoyment from listening to the CD.”
The Harmonies for Heroes CD is £6 + postage, available online www.militarywagschoir.co.uk/Dancingwithyou and Dancing With You is available on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/dancing-with-you-single/id833518486
In addition, a YouTube video www.youtube.com/watch?v=v__9OwjldOc tells the story of the project, featuring footage of Phoenix House Recovery Centre, the WAGS, plus interviews with some of those involved in the project.
Comments Jill Lundberg, PWS press officer and composer of Dancing With You: “Having being involved with the supply of the self-help kitchens to the Recovery Centre at Catterick, I fully appreciate how vital the work of Help For Heroes is, in supporting our sadly injured servicemen and women. It has been extremely rewarding to be part of bringing together the Garrison WAGS and the Dales’ bands, uniting my love of music and singing, to raise money and further awareness for this great cause.”
As the Conservative MP for Richmond, William Hague has backed the Harmonies for Heroes project, saying, “This appeals to me in so many different ways. It will be great if people could give their support through buying this album. They'll enjoy it but they'll also be supporting looking after our heroes for a long time to come."
For news updates on the project follow Twitter @H4Hharmonies @MilWAGSChoirCat or visit www.militarywagschoir.co.uk
