“To bring light into darkness”: Northampton mother finds hope in infected blood choir
Decades on, survivors and families turn to music to heal and honour victims
A Northampton mother is part of a choir bringing survivors and families of the infected blood scandal together in search of connection, strength, and healing decades after the UK tragedy.
Rosemary Calder is a member of Silence to Song, a choir formed in 2025 made up of infected and affected individuals who have turned to music as a way of coping with grief, sharing stories, and raising awareness. Now, the choir is preparing for the release of their debut single, “Together We Rise,” which celebrates community resilience.
In the 1970s and 1980s, around 6,000 people with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders were given contaminated clotting treatments that carried HIV and hepatitis viruses.
Many passed the infections on to their partners without knowing they were infected themselves. More than 3,000 people have since died. Around 1,250 people contracted HIV, including 380 children, and fewer than 250 of those infected are still alive.
Since the Infected Blood Inquiry began in July 2017, an estimated 710 more people affected by the scandal died before the final report was published in May 2024. It remains a public health tragedy that continues to cause loss and long‑term harm.
Rosemary, who tragically lost her son Nicky after he was infected with HIV as a child during treatment for haemophilia, is a passionate member of the choir, helping to honour victims, support survivors, and highlight the ongoing impact of the crisis.
“The community still lives with the aftermath of this scandal decades on.''
Rosemary said: “The choir was formed not just to make music, but to connect people who have felt isolated by their experiences and to help bring some light where there was once so much darkness.”
Finding strength in music and togetherness
Silence to Song’s debut single, “Together We Rise,” was written by Rosemary's son, Darren and performed, and produced by the choir’s members. Its lyrics reflect the years of pain and loss experienced by the community but also celebrate the joy of coming together in support and healing.
''The message of the song isn’t just for us, it’s for anyone who’s faced struggles and found ways to regain strength with support from others.” Rosemary said.
Rosemary shared that her son Darren, who wrote the song while grieving his younger brother, has found that this opportunity has helped him reflect and make sense of his loss.
''It's been very therapeutic, as it has been for all members of the choir, but it's allowed Darren to find his voice and to share with others whose circumstances have been very similar.'' She added.
Recognising resilience and raising awareness
“This isn’t over,” Rosemary said. “The loss and pain felt by so many affected families and survivors will never truly go away, no matter what compensation might be given. Silence to Song is a way for us to fight for justice while finding some light in the support we give each other.”
The choir hopes the new single will both support its members and spark conversations about the infected blood scandal, which many people still don’t fully understand.
“The music creates opportunities to educate and share,” Rosemary noted. “By breaking our silence, we’re able to reach others who may feel alone and help them see strength can come when we connect.”
To find out more about 'Silence to Song' visit their website at silencetosong.uk for support related to the infected blood scandal visit Infected Blood Inquiry's website