Aoide Voices to celebrate Christmas in support of Aortic Dissection Awareness
ADA patient member Rachel Martin and her Limerick-based community choir, Aoide Voices, are preparing for a special Christmas concert to raise funds and awareness for Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland.
Just weeks after sharing her remarkable patient story at our 2026 Annual Patient Event in Birmingham, Rachel Martin is once again supporting the charity, this time through her love of singing.
Rachel is a member of Aoide Voices, a community choir based in Castletroy, Limerick, which will be hosting A Christmas Celebration on Sunday 29 November.
The festive concert will bring together music, community and fundraising in support of a cause that is particularly close to Rachel's heart.
From sharing her story to supporting others
Many members of our community will remember Rachel from our Annual Patient Event in September, where she joined fellow Type B patient and ADA Trustee Simon Jones on stage to share her experiences.
In a moving and candid conversation, Rachel spoke about living with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, experiencing a Type B Aortic Dissection in January 2024, undergoing major aortic surgery and navigating the physical and psychological challenges of recovery.
Her willingness to share such a personal story offered valuable insight and encouragement to others affected by the condition.
You can watch Rachel's conversation, Me and my Type B – an Aortic Dissection patient story, here.
Now Rachel is helping the charity in another way, bringing together her passion for music and her commitment to supporting fellow patients.
A choir with a tradition of giving back
Aoide Voices was formed in September 2014 as part of the Mid-West Vocal Academy and Music School. Its name, pronounced Ay-oh-dee, comes from the Greek muse of song.
The mixed-voice community choir welcomes singers of all abilities and enjoys performing popular, upbeat music in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Led by Musical Director Owen Gilhooly-Miles and Assistant Musical Director Tríona Walsh, Aoide Voices has a proud history of charitable fundraising, having previously supported Limerick Animal Welfare, Limerick Lions Club, CMRF Crumlin, the Children's Grief Centre and Limerick Suicide Watch, among others.
The choir has also enjoyed success on the competition stage, winning the First Time Competitors category at the 2017 Mayo International Choral Competition and achieving second place in the Choirs from Ireland competition in 2018.
Join Aoide Voices for a Christmas Celebration
The choir's upcoming Christmas concert promises an uplifting afternoon of festive music, with the added opportunity to support people affected by aortic dissection.
Event details
- Date: Sunday 29 November 2026
- Time: 4:00 pm
- Venue: St Michael's Church, Pery Sq, Barrington St, Limerick, Ireland
As a charity founded by patients, for patients, we're enormously grateful to members like Rachel who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to help others.
Our sincere thanks go to Rachel, the musical directors and everyone at Aoide Voices for their generous support.
We wish them a wonderful concert and hope the local community will turn out in force to support this special event.
