Hampshire teenagers show they’ve got talent to raise money for Rowans Hospice

Heidi Butcher,14, who attends Horndean Technology College and Darcey Jeune,14, who attends Purbrook Park School, raised the money by taking part in the hospice’s virtual Rowans Got Talent competition.

Both girls are part of the Fine Voice Academy a school of music which regularly performs at Portsmouth Guildhall.

Youngsters taking part in the competition set up their own JustGiving pages where people could hear performances, make donations and even vote on their favourite performance.

For her rendition of the Italian love song E Piu Ti Penso – which translates to ‘and the more I think of you’ - Heidi has so far raised £1324 through her JustGiving page.

She said: ‘Five years ago I first sang at the Rowans Hospice with Fine Voice Academy. My mum explained what the hospice was for and why it means so much to residents and patients to sing there.

‘I wanted to share my singing and performing, bringing happiness to others, as I like to care for and help people. Sadly, like most people, some of my family and a dear family friend have used the hospice, so I was keen to have this opportunity to continue to support this charity and bring some entertainment to people during these current difficult times.

‘I chose this song as it challenges me and I feel it connects with the charity and the work it does.’

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Darcey performed the Grease classic Hopelessly Devoted to You which has helped to attract donations which have contribute to over £5,000 raised by all twelve performers who have taken part in the event.

Debbie Pick, fundraising event lead at Rowans, said, ‘We were thrilled our Rowans’ Got Talent event was so popular and helped to boost peoples’ spirits during the last lockdown. The Rowans’ Got Talent Final showcased some absolutely fantastic local singers who had some great hidden talents.

‘The finalists received a tremendous amount of support from our local community both through voting and donations to their JustGiving pages. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and got involved.’

It’s not the first time the girls have used their singing talents to raise money for good causes. In 2020 Heidi and Darcey performed as part of the Fine Voice Academy in four online events to raise over £1,300 for Breast Cancer Haven, the Poppy Appeal and Portsmouth Hospitals Trust.

Go the hospice’s webpage to hear performances, make a donation and vote for your favourite.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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