Students sing hearts out with opera star for hospice

PUPILS left the audience asking for more when they sang songs from the shows with world renowned opera singer Sean Ruane.

Youngsters from St Mary’s RC Primary School in Haslingden were raising money for Bury Hospice and held three nights at the school called ‘The Sound of St Mary’s’ where they took to the stage.

They raised a staggering total of £2,000 and three performers – Phoenix Murphy, George Heinicke and Jack Curran – visited the hospice to drop off the cheque.

Headteacher Donna McNicoll became a trustee at the hospice following the death of her mum Maureen there in March 2016.

Mrs McNicoll is a former school friend of opera singer Sean, from Bacup, who performed a host of songs with the pupils including songs from Oliver!, Cats, Les Miserables and Joseph.

She said: “The students are so talented and they enjoyed singing with Sean. We were amazed at the amount we raised. I am so proud of the students.

“I wanted to give something back after the support and care we received both for my mum and as a family from staff at Bury Hospice. It was outstanding.”