THE co-founder of Britain’s first ‘deathbed choir’ is setting up a new group in South Lakeland, singing to terminally ill and dying people.

After starting the Moray Singers in Scotland, Interfaith Minister Susanna Michaelis is appealing for volunteers for the South Lakes Threshold Choir – which will be just the second of its type in England.

Threshold singers are a group of women – usually three - who offer to sing at the bedside of people who are seriously ill or approaching the end of life, to bring comfort and ease.

Threshold choirs are an increasingly popular phenomenon in the USA and Canada, with more than 100 chapters started since the first one began in California in 2000.

But the idea has failed to catch on so far on this side of the Atlantic with, so far, just three others in the UK in Moray, Glasgow and London.

Ms Michaelis, who recently moved to Storth, admitted the choir had been “slow to take off in Scotland” and explained, “One of the reasons I’m moving here is because I think hospices will be more open to it.”

The group will offer its services, free of charge, to sing unaccompanied three part harmonies for around 20 minutes in private homes, care homes, hospitals and hospices.

The songs have been penned specifically by Threshold Choir members, and are suitable for people of all faiths or none.

During their weekly two-hour rehearsals, the singers take turns to lie on a reclining chair so they can experience what it is like to be sung to on their deathbed.

“Up to now it’s been a service for the dying,” explained Ms Michaelis, “but I think it could be beneficial for people who are suffering from depression.

“People say that it helps them relax and feel at peace – when you are around someone who is dying you’re busy looking after their physical needs, but singing helps them take a breath.”

The South Lakes Threshold Choir will be available as a group from August – Ms Michaelis is appealing for any women interested in joining to contact her on 07876747057.