Director of Make Noise Choir has raised over £13,000 for Woodlands Hospice in memory of her brother

Catherine Last, the director of Make Noise Choir and LastAct Academy has helped raise a staggering amount of money for Woodlands Hospice in Aintree, which cared for her brother Matt Henderson in his final weeks. Matt was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in September 2017 and passed away on May 5th 2019 following a fiercely fought battle at just 43. Catherine and her family were so overwhelmed with the incredible way that Woodlands cared for Matt that Catherine made it her mission to raise as much money for Woodlands with the help of her Formby/Crosby based choir Make Noise. Just 7 weeks after Matt died, 500 people filled the incredible St George’s Hall Concert Room to witness an emotional concert featuring Make Noise, Make Noise 2, Formby singer-songwriter Anna Corcoran and Crosby singer Tracy Hanley. The final total raised for Woodlands, with the help of match funding, was £13,473.39. This brings the money that Catherine has helped raise for various charities through her choir and theatre school LastAct Academy close to £50,000 in just 3 years. The concert was made even more special as Catherine and Matt’s parents sang with Make Noise and Catherine’s brother Tim join her and the choir on stage to sing “Let it Be”, the song that they had sung at Matt’s funeral just weeks before. Catherine says: “As soon as we stepped through the doors at Woodlands, we knew that this was a very special place. Every single person who works or volunteers made our darkest days lighter. Matt, never wavering in his positivity, vowed to return to Woodlands as a volunteer upon his recovery but as that wasn’t meant to be, I have vowed to do as much as I can in his memory.” Woodands Hospice have said “We are in awe. Thank you to all who sang and supported this event. This money will make such a difference to our patients and services. The Lasts/Hendersons are an inspiration”. Catherine and Make Noise will be back raising money for Woodlands at their Christmas Concert at Liverpool’s beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral on Sunday 15th December at 6pm. The proceeds will be split between Woodlands and Help Harry Duchenne UK to help raise money for Formby boy Harry Halpin. For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/make-noise-at-christmas-tickets-74263202237 The photograph attached Catherine with the cheque that was presented to Woodlands Hospice along with her mum and dad.