Art exhibition and choir concert in Cambridge to bring healing and hope for women with fistula

An art exhibition and choir concert at St Barnabas Church on Mill Road, in Cambridge, will raise vital funds to help women living with the debilitating condition obstetric fistula.

The exhibition and concert will be held on 23rd May, the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, in support of CBM and our work treating and supporting women with fistula in Tanzania, East Africa.

From 12 noon on 23/05/18 the doors of St Barnabas will open to reveal a free art exhibition, showcasing fascinating artwork of all different sizes and prices, available to purchase as well as hand painted cards.

A watercolour workshop will also be run by Allison Henderson (open link in new tab) during the exhibition, giving amateur artists tips on techniques and ideas and the chance for people to have a go themselves. The workshop will last for 2 hours, with all materials provided, cost of £20 per person.

The event has been organised by volunteer Gill Godber. As well as the exhibition and workshop, there will be a cake stall and raffle to raise further funds for CBM.

At 7.45 an evening concert will commence, featuring award-winning ladies acappella group Phoenix Chorus (open link in new tab), one of the UK’s top women’s barbershop choruses. The hugely talented chorus will perform barbershop arrangements, contemporary songs & show songs. The entry to the concert is free, however a donation of £10 to CBM is suggested.

Fistula is a condition that usually affects women after a prolonged childbirth, without specialist care. Women are left incontinent, constantly leaking urine or faeces. Many are rejected by their husbands and ostracised from their communities because of the condition. As a result, many are left in desperate poverty, unable to work and isolated. In countries like Tanzania, women often live with fistula for decades, unaware that nearly all cases can be treated with surgery.

Creatives exhibiting at the event are:
-Artist Allison Henderson (http://allisonhendersonart.com/ (open link in new tab))
-Artist Martin Evans
-Maker of sterling silver jewellery, Gina Arnold (www.GinaKimJewellery.Etsy.com (open link in new tab))
-Paper craft kit maker, Bernadette Perjes (www.pappet.com (open link in new tab))
-Artist and photographer, David Earl (www.frankieandshadow.com (open link in new tab))

Image – Patients at a CBM-supported hospital in Tanzania have received corrective surgery for fistula.