For over a decade now, the Diamond Divas of Highcliffe have been singing their hearts out for Macmillan Caring Locally, the small independent charity set up to support the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital.

The 22-strong ladies’ choir have so far raised more than £50,000 for the unit – and they’re not planning to stop any time soon.

Choir co-ordinator Josie Spicer said: “We were delighted to reach our £50k milestone this time last year and are thrilled to have already raised raise £7,000 in the last 12 months.

“Many local shops and businesses generously donated raffle prizes for our recent coffee morning, which was held in the garden of one our members and raised £1,500.

“The weather was glorious, and we also had a wide variety of home-made cakes, which alone raised over £266.

“In addition, there was a plant stall, book stall, crafts stall and tombola, which all proved popular.”

The Macmillan Unit provides specialist palliative care, with its own landscaped garden featuring an aviary and well stocked fish pond.

Josie said: “As a choir we’re wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting Macmillan Caring Locally for as long as we can.

“We enjoy performing light-hearted music, usually with a comic poem and sometimes fancy dress and have many laughs together.

“We’re also very lucky to have a brilliant pianist, Terry Hayden, who tries to keep us in order and in key!”

Neal Williams, Trust Secretary for Macmillan Caring Locally, added: “The wonderful Diamond Divas bring joy to so many, both with their voices and their incredibly generous hearts.

“The amount of money they’ve raised for us to date is simply phenomenal and helps us to continue to provide outstanding care and comfort to those who need it most in our community.”

The Diamond Divas will sing for any club or organisation in return for a donation and can be reached at 01425 280367.

• macmillanlocal.org