The chairman of Wales’ first choir for stroke survivors and their families to enjoy singing together each week has passed away.
Bob Younger, 75, lived in Pontypool, and was part of Strike a Chord Cymru. The members meet every Thursday from 12.30pm to 1.45 pm in the White Hut at Coed Eva.
He suffered a stroke about 15 years ago and got involved with the choir when they were set up about ten years ago.
Hefina, one of his two children, said: “At first he was wheelchair-bound and couldn’t speak and nobody knew if he would make it.
Strike a Chord Cymru
“Eventually, through hard work and determination, he regained his ability to speak and over the years became stronger and more independent. He and the family had heard about studies where singing helped stroke survivors on their road to recovery, and he joined what became the Strike a Chord Cymru choir, which was made up of many stroke survivors and assisted by their families and helpers.
“Over the years, my dad became more involved in the choir and became the chairman of the choir, helping them to raise money for their charity and helping to organise choir performances in various venues around South Wales.
‘Loved the choir family’
“The choir was assisted by singer and musician, Ali Shone, who loved working with him and the choir so much that she has continued working closely with them as their choirmaster and loyal friend. Dad loved being part of the choir family and looked forward to every meeting and concert they performed.
“He had a wide-ranging working life from 25 years in the ROF bomb factory in Glascoed and then became a coach driver for Truman Coaches for a number of years. He then went to university to study mechatronics and then worked at Sony in Bridgend before working as a mechanical engineer for Swisslog in Quinn Radiators in Newport.
She said the “well-loved man” passed away and “suddenly and unexpectedly “.
Hefina said: “The White Hut volunteers have kindly offered to start a donation appeal for Strike a Chord Cymru in memory of my dad, which is a very kind and touching tribute. It will help the choir continue their work in helping stroke survivors through song, and help the choir continue to go from strength to strength.”
Bob’s wife passed away in 2016. They both died on the same day, nine years apart. He had three grandchildren.
Donate to the choir fundraiser using the link in the comments.
Donate to Strike a Chord Cymru
Use this link to make a donation, in lieu of flowers, to help the choir.