22 Jan 2025 Community

Keeping Memories Alive: André’s generous keyboard donation to us in memory of his late wife

André Herbst, a local resident from Scissett recently bought and donated a Yamaha keyboard after seeing a social media post on The Kirkwood Fundraising Teams Facebook Page.

André’s late wife, Bridget, had been an active member of the Team Serenity Support Group, which hosted many events and charitable activities over a calendar year to raise awareness and vital funding for The Kirkwood Hospice.

André explains: “I was keen to help, it's a good cause. I like music and I am a member of a church which also includes my participation in choir activities. When I saw the social media post, it was the day before our wedding anniversary, and it sparked a bit of an emotion. I decided I would source the Keyboard in memory of Bridget to continue her legacy.”

Bridget passed away in May 2023, leaving a lasting impression on all those she had helped indirectly over the years via her volunteering with Team Serenity. Supporting functions such as their popular Ladies’ Lunch and Night, selling raffle tickets, helping to serve refreshments, selling the Christmas Chocolate Oranges, and more.

“She was passionate about her role with Team Serenity and helped to raise funds towards the cuddle bed for The Kirkwood in 2023. After Bridget passed away and with the help of the company where she worked, quite a substantial donation was raised. Adding to that sum I also made a personal donation. Bridget’s involvement is basically how I got to know The Kirkwood, It was via the incredible work and dedication of my wife and Team Serenity.”

Helen, Chair of Team Serenity shares: “Bridget was an active member she contributed with her experience in the care sector and was extremely enthusiastic about our hopes to raise enough money for the cuddle bed and it was thanks to the generous donations from people in her memory that we were able to achieve this.”

With the intention to continue Bridget’s legacy, André responded to a social media request sent out by The Kirkwood Fundraising Team, in need of an electric keyboard to compliment The Kirkwood Chorus Sessions at Brian Jackson House. André picked up the call to action and simply replied in the comments section that he wanted to help and politely asked that someone contact him.

Shortly after this André was contacted by Mary, Community Engagement Lead at The Kirkwood, and he began to explain that he would like to buy a brand new Keyboard to donate to The Kirkwood Chorus in memory of Bridget.

André was familiar with the chorus and had seen bits of performances they had done before, but following his chat with Mary, André learned that The Kirkwood Chorus was more than your average choir group, it was created for everyone including patients and those being supported by The Kirkwood.

André explains in his own words: “The mere fact when I found out the chorus was for people who suffered from various life limiting illnesses and that they were also part of the choir, It confirmed my initial thought and desire that I was going help. - a wonderful gesture to support a wonderful cause.”

As the conversation continued, Mary went on to explain that sadly, earlier in the year, Alan Rudkin, co-founder of The Kirkwood Chorus had died, Alan had an extraordinary ability to connect with people. Armed with his keyboard, he focused on people’s strengths, empowering them to express themselves through music, bringing joy to so many, and his death was felt quite profoundly.

André understood the sensitivity of the situation, stating “The keyboard was needed and needed to be fit for purpose. From my point of view, it's a charitable donation to a wonderful cause and group.”

Discovering that the keyboard was going to be used to continue to build upon the fantastic work of Alan, it was of paramount importance to André to ensure the keyboard was of the correct spec.

André explains: “Neither Bridget nor I were talented enough to read music notes although we shared a deep appreciation of music. That's why I reached out to Mary. I wanted to make sure the keyboard was right and fit for purpose and I would like purchase it using funds I have managed to raise. As mentioned, I can’t read music notes very well, and I don't know the equipment needed to accompany the vocals, but after a good chat with Mary, we agreed on what it would be, based on the previous experience. We were both very impressed when it arrived.”

Mary comments: "André's very generous donation of a keyboard, cover and stand have been such a valuable addition to The Kirkwood. It enables us to take The Kirkwood Chorus into its new chapter after a few very difficult few months. The Kirkwood Chorus is one of our most well attended community groups with up to 30 people attending weekly so to have some live music again is just wonderful. "

André concludes: “The closeness and meaning of music, in our own way and indirectly, has an association, whether it's a memory, whether it's good times, whether its quiet times, or another reason. It connects us.

Continuing my wife’s legacy is something I plan to continue to do, where and when I can. Going forward I would like to continue to get involved and see where I can contribute, in memory of Bridget and her passion for The Kirkwood.

I hope the Keyboard brings all those that attend The Kirkwood Chorus tremendous joy, and I hope to attend many more Friday sessions.”