Aston to deliver Christmas cheer

POP STAR BACKS FESTIVE APPEAL

Peterborough popstar Aston Merrygold is looking to make a lot of Christmas dreams come true this year, but at the top of his own wishlist is to perform in his home city once again. The ex-JLS star is fronting a campaign to make sure thousands of children get a visit from Father Christmas in a few weeks’ time while also finding the time top lana touring schedule which could take in Peterborough next year.

The former Jack Hunt pupil is currently hardatworkas he promotes his latest single, ‘Too Late’, with recent trips including a visit to Australia to perform on their version of the X Factor.

But the warm weather Down Under will soon be replaced by a winter wrapped up with his family in Peterborough where he spends Christmas every year.

Yet even eight years on from finding fame on our own X Factor, there remains an understanding that not all families will enjoy such a comfortable festive period, which is why Aston has decided to promote the Cash for Kids ‘Mission Christmas’ initiative which last year raised £13.2 million worth of gifts to give to more than 300,000 children.

Having grown up with six younger siblings and shared their excitement at finding out what Father Christmas had left them on Christmas Day, there is now a sadness for Aston that so manychildren will not get the same joy this year.

“Christmas you think of being a magical time and kids just wanttoenjoyit and feel the magic of opening presents,” he said.

“The fact that it’s not happening to every one of us is heartbreaking. I could not help but get involved.

“Mission Christmas was a massive success before and it’s got to get better. It’s got to reach the masses as one in three of uswon’ thaveaprop-er Christmas.

“Christmas is about the tree, family, Christmas morning opening presents. A lot of kids want that.

“I was aware of Mission Christmas before, but when they reached out I could not say no. “Being the eldest of all my siblings - we have a large family - I’m used to seeing people enjoy Christmas.” Aston’s own Christmas wish is to perform in front of his Peterborough fans in 2017. The former Jack Hunt pupil continues to feel a strong affiliation towards his home city, even expressing amazement at the number of dessert restaurants which have popped up recently. Yet the one thing he craves more than a dollop of ice cream or slice of chocolate cake is for the authorities to find him a venue which is therightsize for himtoperform in as he plans his next tour. “Peterborough is at the top of my list,” said Aston. “I’m pushing for next year if the right venue came about and it was the right Printed and distributed by PressReader PressReader.com +1 604 278 4604