We were so, so saddened to learn of the passing of one of our earliest and longest-term members, the beautiful Caoimhe Ni Chomhrai, last Friday after battling serious, and ultimately terminal, illness for the past 3 years.
Caoimhe was one of the loveliest, most kind-hearted and absolute funniest people you could ever wish to meet. Having joined in January 2012, just 2 months after VOTT was formed in Newcastle, she not only quickly became a much-loved and vital member of our Sop 1s and choir there, but a core part of the VOTT family, which continued right up until the end.
From performing on the front row in the very first VOTT show in April 2012, her commitment showed no let-up, going on to perform and be involved in a huge host of events, feature shows and high-profile tour dates through the years with G4, Russell Watson and Take That & Lulu at a sell-out Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium. She was incredibly passionate about the choir, and loved, fiercely, those who she met within it and who went on to become the closest of friends. Indeed, she only had to step away from the choir in early 2022 due to her incredibly sad and shocking diagnosis.
However, make no mistake, Caoimhe never let that stop her, as she continued to live life as fully as she could, tick off various ‘bucket list’ items and even made a brief return to the choir before her health so sadly took its toll again. She was the most wonderful warrior and her positivity, wicked sense of humour and legendary craic remained until the end.
She’s been taken from us much, much too soon, passing just days after her 44th birthday. And, for all of us who had the utter privilege of knowing her and calling her a friend, we’re beyond saddened to know we’ll never be in her company, hear that fantastic laugh, or be on the end of one of her magnificent, hilarious and downright savage put-downs, all in her lovely Irish tones, again. Being with Caoimhe instantly made you happier and whether in a rehearsal or on a night out, you ALWAYS wanted to be around her. The best time and tears of laughter were always guaranteed.
She was truly a gem and gave so much heart, and brought so much joy and positivity, to everyone who had the fortune of being in her company. She will be forever missed by all who knew her and we’re only sorry that even more people didn’t get the chance to feel the warmth of Caoimhe’s soul.
We here at VOTT send our sincere condolences and all of our love to Caoimhe’s family and friends at this deeply sad time.
