We're singing out loud for the hospice appeal

SEVENTEEN singing sensations will be taking to the stage at The Valiant pub, Grimsby, to raise money for St Andrew's Hospice.

Among those belting out their favourite tunes at the Singers' Charity Day on Sunday will be Sonny Ives, Karen Leshone and Soulfinger.

Organiser Cliff Barber of The Willows estate, has been raising money for the hospice with events like this for around ten years and he has raised a total of £10,000 so far.

The annual event has mostly been held at The Valiant and last year they raised £1,000 for the worthy cause.

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Cliff, 49, said: "Every year the same singers give up their time for free and sing at the event.

"It's a fantastic event and we get crowds in to support such a fantastic charity which helps terminally ill patients.

"The hospice survives mostly on funding and this is why we choose them every year to donate the money."

There will also be a mini-auction, name cards, raffle and collection boxes at the event, which starts at 3pm and runs to 11pm.

Cliff said the reason why he chooses The Valiant as his venue is because it is "close to his heart".

"I have always been involved with this pub since I turned 18," he said.

"It's my local and it has a good friendly atmosphere – it's a hub for friends to meet up.

"I have even run the pub three times over the years and I was first licensee at 22 years old, and now my sister Mandy Barber has followed my footsteps, as the current licensee.

"It was a shame to see it boarded up last year and so many people missed it – but now it is back in full swing."

Karen Leshone, of Great Coates, has been singing for 20 years and she will be performing covers from artists such as Adele, Olly Murs, and The Killers on the night.

She said: "I have been part of this event since day one and it always has a great atmosphere with everyone up and dancing.

"Singing is my absolute passion and, when I perform the first few notes, I become someone else – it's brilliant because I'm normally a shy person but my personality comes out on stage.

"I perform at pubs, clubs and at a lot of golf clubs around Lincolnshire and I began my singing career with Kenny King And The Breakaways for six years. I was also in a duo called Breathless with Pete Dixey."

Karen said she enjoys "doing her bit for charity".

"I think it's important everyone chips in and helps out charities and, hopefully, we have been making a difference to St Andrew's over the years," she added.

Another well-known singer performing will be Stevie S, who was part of band Limited Edition before deciding to go solo. Stevie, who has a similar sound to Pavarotti, was a painter and decorator and always used to sing while working.

He said: "I first got up on stage when I went to Butlin's and I had a good round of applause, so I thought I could do more of that.

"This is the best job in the world and I love performing for people to enjoy themselves."

Get along

Entry is free and the event takes place on Sunday, October 7 from 3pm to 11pm. All proceeds will go towards St Andrew's Hospice.