Grieving South Shields singer lifts spirits during lockdown - despite losing family member to coronavirus

Despite recently suffering his own tragic loss Blake Robson has been taking to the streets to cheer up South Tyneside residents during the lockdown.

The well-known entertainer has been using his talents to bring people together, performing for free outside the homes of those who are shielding, isolated or unable to leave their homes.

For the last month Blake - best known by some as the longstanding caller of the former Mecca Bingo Hall on Dean Road – has been booked up with requests from neighbourhoods in South Tyneside, Sunderland and as far as Consett, County Durham.

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“It’s lifting people’s spirits up during the lockdown,” said the 54-year-old of Tyne Dock.

“For people who are on their own and unable to see their family and friends at the moment, I bring the music to them.

“They can come out and sit in their garden, so people are getting to know their neighbours and it’s bringing them together.

“But the singing is for my sake just as much as everyone else's.”

Blake’s aunt, Sheilah Hardington - who he describes as a “second mum” - sadly passed away from coronavirus on April 3.

She was sadly unable to have any of her loved ones around her in her final moments.

“She had a great innings, but sadly the coronavirus came into her home,” he said.

“It was quite tragic, she died peacefully in hospital without her family there, but with the health issues she had in her last few years she is finally at peace now.”

Blake, who is also a director of community radio station Radio Shields NE, says entertaining others has kept him going in his grief.

“I’m in a bad place, but music is keeping me going - it’s a wonderful tool,” he added.

“It’s lovely seeing neighbours young and old bond with each other.

“We’ll never be the same again after this, we’re evolving into better people and it’s great to see.”

You can contact Blake for bookings via his Facebook page.

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