'I gave up my day job - and found my voice'
Alex Walton PhotographyWhen Sam Abrahams quit her job as a regional pub manager, she had no idea that starting a village choir would change her life - and transform hundreds of others across Devon.
Abrahams, 53, from Plymouth, was travelling the UK for JD Wetherspoon when she reached a "huge turning point in her life" and realised she needed something different.
"I don't want people to think I was walking around miserable," she says.
"But I think, if a lot of people are honest with themselves, you stop and look at yourself and think I don't really know who I am.
"I'm doing a job, I've got family and I have friends, but I wasn't quite sure who I really was and whether I was doing things that brought me joy, things that bring me peace and contentment."
She knew she needed singing in her life and to "find her voice again".
When she could not find a local choir to join, she started her own in the village of Lympstone in 2008.
Running a choir became her new vocation and La La Choirs now has more than 350 members in five groups across Devon.
Alex Walton Photography"It was a turning point in my life - and I just leapt. I didn't really plan it, but I had courage. I took a brave decision and I'm proud of myself," she says.
She named it La La for a simple reason: "If you forget the words you can just sing 'la la la'."
"There was nothing else around in the village at the time, so I just set up in the village hall there - and that's how it all started. I really suspected that this was what life was all about, and off I went."
Sam quickly found she was not the only one who needed singing in their life.
Her small community group grew steadily - until the pandemic arrived.
Sam Abrahams"Everything just stopped," says Abrahams of March 2020.
"It was a very dark time and I was worried that would be the end of it".
Then a choir member contacted BBC Spotlight to highlight the virtual rehearsals Abrahams was running online during lockdown.
Her short appearance on the programme turned out to be unexpectedly uplifting.
She says: "It gave other people hope in very dark times. Suddenly you weren't alone anymore and things could carry on. That connection was so important."
Alex Walton PhotographyLa La Choirs has since expanded to more than 350 members in five groups across Devon.
They rehearse weekly in Plymouth, Exeter, Exmouth and Ottery St Mary, with Plympton due to restart later this year.
Members say the choirs offer connection as well as music.
Liz Taylor, who sings alto and joined 13 years ago, says: "I didn't hold out much hope that I would be able to sing.
"But thankfully Sam worked her magic. Singing within a group of people brings so much joy.
"It's a family, and it's a community in its own right. People come along and share a part of themselves. They sing but they also share life experiences.
"People share so much, tales of illness, bereavements, divorce, because it's a safe space for people to talk."
She adds: "The people who come sometimes feel they have lost their voice - they don't feel heard. But they come along and find friendship, and that leads to other things."
'Joy in our lives'
One group in Plymouth have become so close they now go on holiday together.
Member Jane Clay, who joined the group in 2013, says: "I have made some forever friends.
"We have been away several times, walked often, had many meals together, laughed lots and been there for each other when needed."
Rob Williams, who joined in 2022, calls the Monday night rehearsals at Plymouth's Mutley Baptist Church a staple of his "mental health diet".
"I would recommend it to anyone who thinks they could do with more joy, laughter and music in their lives," he says.
Single mum Khristine Norton says finding time for herself had been a struggle before joining.
"I've been a member since 2017 and I am so grateful to La La for giving me a place where I can truly be me, where I feel valued.
"Sam is just phenomenal. Businesswoman, choir mum, musician, energiser, fundraiser and caring friend."
'Lost in music'
Kathryn Donohue, a lecturer and researcher in respiratory physiotherapy at the University of Plymouth, says singing is "highly complex" and can improve posture, wellbeing and breath control.
"However, singing is so much more powerful than simply its physical benefits.
"Choir members frequently remark on the social and psychological effects they experience.
"When concentrating on singing, they are frequently 'lost in the music' and any concerns they brought with them evaporate."
Sam was awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal) in the King's 2026 New Year Honours List for her contribution to music, highlighting her "significant impact" and dedication to promoting music-related activities.
She says: "It's a huge privilege to be able to create something which gives people joy.
"Who doesn't want to feel like they're making a positive contribution to people's lives? I'm blessed and privileged to do it, and I love it."
