‘THE Voice’ Russell Watson has announced he will be headlining children’s charity, Variety, for its annual star-studded fund-raiser.
Russell will be supporting the performances at the event on September 20 at the Hilton Deansgate Hotel in Manchester, which will honour 19-year-old inspiration Kirsty Howard with a Variety, the Children’s Charity Outstanding Achievement Award.
He has been a supporter of Kirsty’s fundraising work since 2002, when he released the single Nothing Sacred – A Song for Kirsty to raise money for Kirsty’s five million pound appeal for Francis House. The song reached number 17 in the UK Singles Chart, and Russell and Kirsty have been firm friends ever since.
Russell said: “There is not one single person that I can think of that I know who deserves this award as much as Kirsty’ says Russell Watson
“It’s impossible to put into words exactly how much of an inspiration she is to me, but the one thing that I would say is, that I have never seen a greater spirit in any other human being that I have known.”
Kirsty was born with an exceptionally rare condition in which her heart is back to front. The condition is operable, and requires extensive treatment, including a constant oxygen supply.
She is the only person in the UK, and only the second in the world, diagnosed with this condition.
The prestigious dinner, organised with the support of event management company the Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), will recognise Kirsty’s dedication to helping children with life limiting conditions, and for her outstanding achievement in raising eight million pounds for Francis House Children’s Hospice in Didsbury, Manchester.
Kirsty added: “I am absolutely thrilled that my favourite singer and friend Russell Watson has accepted the invitation to sing at the forthcoming Variety, the Children’s Charity Outstanding Achievement Award event.
“It will be a exciting night and is great honour, that is made extra special by Russell’s involvement and the fact that Variety, the children’s charity chose for it to be held on my 19th birthday.”
Lyn Staunton, development director at Variety, the children’s charity in the North West said: “I am thrilled that Russell has agreed to perform on the night. His support of Kirsty over the years has been amazing and we are just so grateful to Russell for helping Variety honour Kirsty in the best way possible.
“We are delighted to have the support of Liz Taylor at TLC, who has been responsible for some of the UK’s most high profile and spectacular fundraisers, so I know that we have an unforgettable event in the making and one that is a fitting tribute to Kirsty Howards wonderful achievements.”
The event promises a showbiz filled line-up, with Russell’s involvement the first announcement in a series over then coming months, and will be attended by many of Kirsty’s VIP guests.
Tickets for this event are very limited and range from £75 to £125 per person to include a three course dinner and special entertainment.
For more information contact Lyn or Judi at the offices of Variety, the Children’s Charity on 0161 236 0500 to book, or visit www.variety.org.uk or the Taylor Lynn Corpration at www.tlc-ltd.co.uk for details.
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