Schools sing their hearts out for St. Luke’s Hospice

Pupils from primary schools in Thurrock and Basildon sang their hearts out in a competition for St. Luke’s Hospice yesterday evening [Thursday 5 March].  

Eight schools took part in this year’s Sing for St. Luke’s competition at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon. A total of 270 children aged between 7 and 11 years sang for their respective schools in front of a panel of judges and a sold-out audience.  

After much anticipation, the winning school was announced as Greensted Junior School from Basildon. First prize consisted of a Sing for St. Luke’s trophy and £500, which was kindly donated by Kip McGrath Basildon and Wickford. 

This year’s judging panel included Jennie Skingsley of Birkett Long, Lauren Shipley of Kip McGrath Basildon and Wickford, and St. Luke’s Hospice Choir Master, Mike Rawlinson. 

The competition was hosted by Graeme Matthews, the popular local children’s entertainer and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, commonly known as Bam Bam.

He said:

“This is the second year I’ve compared the competition and I’m once again blown away by all the performances. There’s a huge amount of talent and generosity in our local schools which is great to see. It’s not easy to perform on stage so a huge well done to everyone who took part, and thank you for helping to raise money for our local St. Luke’s Hospice.” 

Joanna Lucas, Schools Fundraiser at St. Luke’s Hospice, said:

“What a brilliant evening! The event raised more than £6,000 for St. Luke’s Hospice, which is fantastic. You could really tell how much the schools had been practising, as all the performances were amazing. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the schools that took part, all those who bought tickets, and of course our wonderful judges.”

The schools that took part were: Northlands Primary School (Basildon), St Anne Line Junior School (Basildon), Greensted Junior School (Basildon), Whitmore Primary School (Basildon), Bardfield Academy (Basildon), Dilkes Academy (Thurrock), Arthur Bugler school (Thurrock), St Margaret’s C of E School (Basildon). 

Money raised at Sing for St. Luke’s will allow St. Luke’s Hospice to continue providing compassionate care to people in Basildon, Thurrock and surrounding areas, whose illnesses are no longer curable. To find out how you can get involved in supporting the Hospice, visit: www.stlukeshospice.com

Image: St Luke’s Hospice