Talented kids’ choir sign while they sing
DEAF PUPILS PERFORM IN AID OF OTHER CHILDREN IN NORTH EAST
IT was a moving sight as a choir of children showed that being deaf would never hold them back.
Shoppers stopped to be entertained by the Signed Singers at intu Eldon Square while they helped to raise money for The Sunshine Fund’s Go Bananas campaign.
The choir, from Northern Counties School in Jesmond, is made up of children who suffer from hearing loss and sign along to their favourite pop songs.
Led by music teacher Mandy Davison, the adorable children use the vibrations of the music to keep in time to the music.
Bopping along to Shake It Off by Taylor Swift and Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars, they showed that they have a truly unique talent despite their difficulties.
The group often perform in support of various local charities but they love to give back to the organisation who helped them.
Last year, The Sunshine Fund provided a specially adapted minibus for the choir and they were so grateful that they decided to help the charity do the same for other children in need.
The Sunshine Fund works yearround to raise money to buy specialist equipment for local disabled children and holds a huge campaign every June.
The Go Bananas appeal, sponsored by intu, aims to raise £60,000 this month to help 10 children who have been chosen to receive a piece of equipment to change their lives.
The Signed Singers did their part on Thursday, raising more than £230 from generous shoppers.
If you would like to see them in action, they will be performing again at intu Metrocentre on Monday from 1.30pm in Exhibition Square.
Teacher Mandy Davison said: “The event went very well and as seen by the children’s faces and body language, they enjoyed it very much.
“Myself and the staff are always very proud of the children when they do these events.
“All of the children involved are profoundly deaf with additional needs so they find it hard to focus and concentrate for long periods of time.
“However when the children are sign-singing and dancing they are so focused.
“Taking part in these events is very important for the children’s confidence and communication. I always say that just because you are deaf does not mean you can’t enjoy music. Music can be enjoyed in many different ways.”
Lauren Thompson, Community Fundraiser for The Sunshine Fund, added: “It is such a pleasure to have the signed singers support the Go Bananas campaign again this year.
“They have such a unique talent and it is clear that it brings so much joy to them and everyone who sees them perform.
“The general public are always so generous whenever we hold bucket collections so thank you to all who managed to see the signers and support the charity.”
Clare Cannon, community manager at intu north east, said: “We’re delighted to welcome The Signing Choir from Percy Hedley School to intu Eldon Square on Thursday, June 15, and intu Metrocentre on Thursday, June 29.
“The hour-long performances are guaranteed to bring a joyful atmosphere to the malls, whilst raising vital funds for the Go Bananas campaign.
“We’re sure that our customers will enjoy seeing this fantastic choir sign and sing their hearts out and donate generously to this fantastic cause.”