‘BGT final was awesome’, says Suffolk Post Office scandal choir singer

A former sub-postmistress turned choir singer said performing in the final of Britain’s Got Talent was an “amazing and overwhelming experience”.

Hear Our Voice took to the Eventim Apollo stage in London on Saturday night with the hope of being crowned the winners of this year’s television show.

The singing group, made up of victims of the Post Office scandal and their families, finished in 7th place as viewers watched magician Harry Moulding take the top prize.

But Lisa Skinner, who worked at Lakenheath Post Office in Suffolk for 10 years, said being able to raise awareness of the Horizon computer scandal was victory enough.

“As a group we never expected to get that far,” said Mrs Skinner, from Bury St Edmunds, who also fronts a melodic metal band.

“It was all about raising awareness of the cause in a different field and we feel collectively that was achieved, so we couldn’t really have asked for more.

“I am genuinely shattered and drained but it was an amazing and overwhelming experience and I loved every second of it – it was truly awesome to be a part of.”

More than 900 sub-postmasters were prosecuted for stealing because of incorrect information from the Horizon computer system. It has been called the UK’s most widespread miscarriage of justice.

The Post Office itself took many cases to court, prosecuting 700 people between 1999 and 2015. Another 283 cases were brought by other bodies, including the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Mrs Skinner has settled her legal case against the Post Office, but she is forever grateful for the campaigning.

She said: “If it hadn’t been for the very brave sub-postmasters who suffered so much trauma, then my situation could have been treated very differently.

“So, I am personally very grateful that they fought back when they did and managed to get people to listen.

“Being a part of Hear Our Voice with some of those original 555 has been both an honour and a joy.”

As well as raising awareness of the scandal and how it affected victims, Hear Our Voice also raises money for The Subpostmasters Charity and the Lost Voices Charity.

“I’m pretty certain the campaign will continue until all the affected sub-postmasters have been fully compensated,” Mrs Skinner told the BBC.

“As for the choir, I know there are talks in the pipeline now for future ventures to gain momentum and raise funds, so hopefully it is just the beginning of many projects.”