Watch as South Tyneside singer hosts uplifting street party to raise cash for the NHS

A South Tyneside singer is raising residents’ spirits by organising street parties to raise cash for workers on the front-line.
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Carly McKeith, of Seton Avenue, Simonside, has had to put her professional performances on hold due to the coronavirus crisis.

Instead, the 37-year-old is serenading the streets to raise funds to help South Tyneside and Sunderland hospitals in their fight against the virus.

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On Sunday, May 24, Carly belted out all her best numbers for residents on Gerald Street in Whiteleas - who came out to enjoy the sing-a-long from their gardens.

Singer Carly McKeith performs for residents in Gerald Street, Whiteleas on VE Day.Singer Carly McKeith performs for residents in Gerald Street, Whiteleas on VE Day.
Singer Carly McKeith performs for residents in Gerald Street, Whiteleas on VE Day.

Now Carly - who has also been placed on furlough from her job as a tutor - has dates lined up in Seton Avenue, Simonside and at Northumberland Park.

It comes after she helped residents celebrate VE Day on Friday, May 8, with performances on Gerald Street and Devon Gardens.

Now she is encouraging other streets in the borough to get in touch and help her spread the cheer.

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“With the current situation, I can’t sing for profit at the moment so I thought I would try and raise some money to support the local hospitals while something I really enjoy,” she said.

Residents in Gerald Street on Sunday, May 24.Residents in Gerald Street on Sunday, May 24.
Residents in Gerald Street on Sunday, May 24.

“We’re all a bit fed up at the moment, it’s just about getting out there and cheering people up.”

She continued: “I had a great response on Sunday, everybody came out and had their chairs in the garden.

“I did a few requests and a few for kids – it was a lovely party atmosphere.

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“Everyone is social distancing and we’re not encouraging anyone from outside the area to come, it’s all perfectly safe.”

Carly McKeith performs in Gerald Street on Sunday.Carly McKeith performs in Gerald Street on Sunday.
Carly McKeith performs in Gerald Street on Sunday.
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Carly, who has already raised almost £200 for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, added: “ I just want to thank everybody who has donated and got involved so far.

“I hope I’m keeping spirits up in the community and we can raise as much as possible to help towards the coronavirus battle.”

To have Carly come and perform on your street for a small donation, get in touch via the Carly McKeith Entertainment Facebook page.

Carly performed for residents on VE Day.Carly performed for residents on VE Day.
Carly performed for residents on VE Day.

You can also donate via Go Fund Me

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