Watch these South Tyneside stars perform charity single for the NHS

A South Tyneside performer has produced a charity single to say thank you to the NHS and key workers on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Actor and dancer, Gary Walsh has written a song to raise money for the NHS inspired by his mum - a nurse who is currently on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis.

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With his career temporarily put on hold due to the crisis, he wanted to find a way to thank his mum, Carol Watson, who is a nurse at Gateshead’s Queen Elizabeth hospital and all her NHS colleagues for the “incredible job” they are doing.

South Tyneside performers record themselves singing a charity single for the NHS.South Tyneside performers record themselves singing a charity single for the NHS.
South Tyneside performers record themselves singing a charity single for the NHS.

After writing and producing the song called Thank you Thank you (My Friend) he invited his performers and students to record themselves singing in their homes.

“I just felt that I needed to do something,” said Gary, 28.

“I wanted to get some of my artists and students involved in a project to raise money and say thank you to all key workers in the way we know best – singing and dancing.”

He added: “I’m not a songwriter or music producer but I thought I would try something new and it’s gone down really well.

Actor and dancer Gary Walsh now runs his own production company.Actor and dancer Gary Walsh now runs his own production company.
Actor and dancer Gary Walsh now runs his own production company.
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The single has raised more than £300 so far for the NHS Charities Together and the theatre company director is also planning to host a special concert for key workers once the lockdown is lifted.

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“It is really close to home for me,” continued Gary, whose 10-year-old sister Amelia also makes an appearance in the video.

“I’ve got other friends and family members in the NHS and my dad is also a key worker – he works in the crane industry and has been collecting PPE from across the country to distribute to care homes and hospitals.”

Professional performers and some of Gary's students star in the video.Professional performers and some of Gary's students star in the video.
Professional performers and some of Gary's students star in the video.

Gary added: “I just wanted to say a massive thank you to all the NHS staff and key workers. Hopefully when this is all over we can provide them with some entertainment to say thanks.”

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