Over £650 raised for Crosshouse Children's Fund by Ayr Opera

The Ayr Amateur Opera Company raised the money during a recent concert party it organised for Crosshouse Children's Fund, a charity that supports babies and children in hospitals throughout Ayrshire.

The funds raised will support children and babies at Rainbow House in Irvine and the children’s ward at University Hospital Crosshouse.

Rebekah McGinn, fundraising manager at Crosshouse Children's Fund, said: "We are truly grateful for the generosity and compassion demonstrated by the Ayr Amateur Opera Company.

"Their recent donation and further commitment to helping children in hospital in 2024 is an exciting way to start the year. All that is left to say is, ‘break a leg’!"

The opera company and Crosshouse Children's Fund have announced a partnership after the success of the concert party.

The opera group is now putting the finishing touches on its upcoming production of The Sound of Music, which commences a week-long run on February 26.

The funds raised through the partnership, the charity said, will be important in purchasing essential medical equipment, improving the hospital environment, and offering comfort and joy to children during their hospital stays through play activities and important visits.

Sara Green, Ayr Amateur Opera Company president, said: "We are delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile local charity, one that is particularly close to all our hearts.

“Many of our own members’ babies and children have been treated and looked after at the neonatal and children's wards, and for that we say a huge thank you.

"We look forward to raising as much money as possible for Crosshouse Children’s Fund.”

The opera group is also scheduled to collect funds for the Crosshouse Children’s Fund before multiple shows at the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr.

Tickets for The Sound of Music by the Ayr Amateur Opera Company are available on the Gaiety Theatre website or by calling the box office at 01292 288235.