Online performing arts classes through lockdown raise £350 for Queen Alexandra Hospital

ASPIRING dancers and performers helped raise hundreds for children in hospital by taking part in online classes throughout lockdown.
Belinda Dickins
By Belinda Dickins
Published 14th Aug 2020, 09:56 BST
Updated 14th Aug 2020, 13:26 BST
Helen Wallis has been raising money throughout lockdown for Queen Alexanda Hospital by offering her performing arts classes online and people could give a small donation, as well as performing on her drive during VE Day. Pictured: l-r Sue Richardson and Anne Ricketts, play specialists, Brooke Wallis (five) and Helen WallisHelen Wallis has been raising money throughout lockdown for Queen Alexanda Hospital by offering her performing arts classes online and people could give a small donation, as well as performing on her drive during VE Day. Pictured: l-r Sue Richardson and Anne Ricketts, play specialists, Brooke Wallis (five) and Helen Wallis
Helen Wallis has been raising money throughout lockdown for Queen Alexanda Hospital by offering her performing arts classes online and people could give a small donation, as well as performing on her drive during VE Day. Pictured: l-r Sue Richardson and Anne Ricketts, play specialists, Brooke Wallis (five) and Helen Wallis

Performing arts teacher Helen Wallis moved all of her classes and children’s parties online when it became clear they couldn’t happen in person - and voluntary contributions to sessions have raised £350 for the NHS.

Helen, from Bedhampton, presented a cheque to Queen Alexandra Hospital on Tuesday, to be used for the children’s wards which Helen visits along with Poppy from Trollz and Anna from Frozen.

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The 36-year-old said: ‘I converted both my businesses to online - it’s difficult because no one had any money, including me, and we all had to try and make money somehow.

Helen Wallis has been raising money throughout lockdown for Queen Alexanda Hospital by offering her performing arts classes online and people could give a small donation, as well as performing on her drive during VE Day. Pictured: Helen performing on VE DayHelen Wallis has been raising money throughout lockdown for Queen Alexanda Hospital by offering her performing arts classes online and people could give a small donation, as well as performing on her drive during VE Day. Pictured: Helen performing on VE Day
Helen Wallis has been raising money throughout lockdown for Queen Alexanda Hospital by offering her performing arts classes online and people could give a small donation, as well as performing on her drive during VE Day. Pictured: Helen performing on VE Day
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‘That’s why there was no pressure to pay for classes, but I made an agreement with myself to give a portion of what I took to the NHS.

‘It was because we usually visit the hospital once a month and we aren’t able to do that so I feel like I have still contributed to them. Contributing to the NHS is such a good thing to do anyway let alone during a pandemic.’

On VE Day, Helen put on a nostalgic gig on her driveway and people from her community came along to watch and donate money for the NHS.

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Helen recently took over Waterlooville-based performing arts school TADAA, with hopes to open its doors on September 7.

She said: ‘Our lessons are all about confidence building, it’s all built around positive mental health. I’m really excited to get it going.’

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