On Saturday 14^th March 2020 the pupils from the 8 schools of Belfast School of Performing Arts (BSPA) met for what was to be the last time before Lockdown. They had been rehearsing for their shows with the first to be performed in Stranmillis Theatre the following weekend.

We had also just confirmed Cancer Fund for Children as our BSPA 2020 Charity. This charity provides essential support for children and families affected by Cancer and offers breaks in their residential centre, Daisy Lodge Newcastle.  We planned to fundraise at our spring shows and had other fundraising projects planned for later in the year.  We realised that these events were not likely to go ahead, and our pupils began to see their lives changing with so many things being cancelled due to Covid –19.

Many of our children started to enjoy a Virtual BSPA but we also wanted to do something which would be a fun challenge and bring them together again.  It would also be something positive to work towards and to remind them of this time and above all to use their talents to help other children who are in need of extra support.   We decided to challenge our pupils to record the fabulous Gary Barlow song “Sing” at home to make a Lockdown virtual video to raise funds for ‘Cancer Fund for Children’. We are delighted that 115 pupils aged 6 -17 years took up our challenge and learnt and recorded the song - not as easy as it sounds! We are also delighted that 3 pupils decided to choreograph a small dance break for the video

Jane Hoare, Head of Fundraising at Cancer Fund for Children said:

“As a charity we rely heavily on fundraising from events and activities that have had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has had a major impact on our income. However, cancer and how it affects children and families will not stop during this, and neither can we.  To hear this song and see how much effort and thought has gone into it by the students at BSPA gives me a great sense of appreciation and I’d like to send a very big thank you to all involved
for thinking of Cancer Fund for Children at this time.

The monies raised will go towards funding our organisation which is continuing to work with families remotely, delivering individual and group support to children and young people, by phone and online, helping to reduce isolation, respond to any worries they may have, and crucially connect them with other young people experiencing  cancer.”

We hope you enjoy our video and you will consider making a donation, no matter how small, to help the children who benefit from the wonderful support of Cancer Fund for Children.