South Shields singer Amelia Saleh to perform at virtual Charlie Gard Foundation ball

The 14-year-old will sing alongside The Voice star Ty Lewis at the charity’s fundraising event, which is set to be held online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Charlie Gard Foundation was started by parents Connie and Chris who tragically lost their son Charlie, who had mitochondrial depletion syndrome, on July 28, 2017, just a week before his first birthday.

The foundation set up in his memory supports children, adults and their families that have been affected by mitochondrial disease.

Amelia, who won the Young Performer accolade at the Gazette’s Best of South Tyneside Awards in 2018, will also be performing a solo song at the charity ball, which will be live streamed at 8pm on Saturday, November 28, featuring a variety of entertainment.

Proud mum Dora Saleh said: “Amelia was asked by the charity to be their young ambassador last year and since then she has been performing at different events to represent the charity through her music.

“Last year was amazing so we are really excited for this year’s event.”

Last year’s event raised more than £30,000 when it was held at the historic Roundhouse in Camden, featuring entertainment themed around The Greatest Showman.

Stephanie Roundsmith, head of communications and fundraising for the Charlie Gard Foundation, said: “It’s been a difficult year for our charity due to all physical events being cancelled, but we were determined not to be beaten by this currently challenging situation – so we decided to go for a virtual ball instead.

"It seemed like a wonderful way to raise funds, raise spirits and enable some of our wonderful performers, such as Amelia, to still perform during lockdown.

"Amelia was outstanding at our ball last year and received a standing ovation for her final song of the evening, which captured the audience for the entire performance.

"It’s been wonderful to be able to showcase Amelia to our many supporters and we can’t wait for you all to see what we have in store. It’s going to be a truly fantastic evening – something we all need at the moment."

For tickets visit: https://givergy.uk/CharlieGardFoundation/?controller=tickets

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