Singing sensation Heather Small last night joined hundreds of schoolchildren at the Royal Albert Hall to perform her inspirational hit song ‘Proud’ to raise money for leading children’s charity, Barnardo’s.
Barnardo’s annual Young Supporters Concert, now in its 25th year, was hosted by the charity’s President, Natasha Kaplinsky OBE, for the fourth year running. The event saw Heather join the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and 23 school choirs from
across the UK to perform her signature song.
Across the evening, Barnardo’s young supporters performed a medley of songs fitting with the event’s theme of ‘Inspire’ to a 3,000-strong audience. The concert raised £80,000, which will support Barnardo’s work with children and families across the UK, including
in London.
Recent research published by Barnardo’s1 found that almost four in ten parents (38%) in London with children aged 18 and under say they struggled to provide sufficient food for their children over the past year, due to the current cost-of-living situation –
significantly higher than the national average of 25%, and any other region in the UK.
Heather Small, a former member of M People from Ladbroke Grove, has enjoyed a singing career spanning 40 years. She achieved sales of more than 10 million albums worldwide with the group, before embarking on a successful solo career. Alongside ‘Proud’, which
is approaching its 25th anniversary since release, Heather has become known for inspirational songs, such as ‘Moving on Up’ and ‘Search for a Hero’, both as a solo singer and with M People.
She said: “It was a huge pleasure to perform ‘Proud’ at the Royal Albert Hall alongside so many wonderful school choirs from across the country to help raise money for Barnardo’s. It’s almost 25 years since ‘Proud’ was released, so performing it alongside these
amazing young people felt even more special.
“It’s heartbreaking that nearly four in ten parents in London are struggling to provide food for their children. This is why fundraising events like the Young Supporters Concert are vital in ensuring that Barnardo’s can continue supporting children, young people
and their families.”
Barnardo’s President, and host of the event, Natasha Kaplinsky OBE, said: “The funds raised at this unique concert are so important in supporting Barnardo’s vital services across the UK, especially at a time when so many families are struggling.
“Whether it’s families living in poverty, children in foster care, or young people struggling with their mental health, Barnardo’s is here to help.”
Barnardo’s Chief Executive, Lynn Perry, added: “I’m thrilled that last night’s Young Supporters Concert raised such an outstanding total for Barnardo’s, to make sure we can continue supporting the children, young people, and families who need us most.
“Many families across London are faced with a desperate struggle to keep the electricity on and the fridge stocked this winter. Christmas is usually thought of as the most wonderful time of the year, but the reality is that millions of parents across the country
are struggling to feed their children and, each day, families face the choice between eating or staying warm.
“The children who brought so much energy and joy to the concert have played such an important part in fundraising for Barnardo’s vital services across London and the rest of the UK. We couldn’t have chosen a more perfect song than ‘Proud’ for these incredible
young supporters to perform with our fantastic ambassador, Heather Small.”
The 2024 Barnardo’s Young Supporters Concert was generously supported by lead sponsor, London-based FirstPoint Equity, for the second year in a row, and also Allianz, part of Allianz Group, the world’s #1 insurance brand.
Barnardo’s has more than 800 services across the UK. In London, the children’s charity runs the TIGER service, supporting children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse, and Barnardo’s Stronger Together which delivers Early Years and Family Support
across six family wellbeing centres in Brent.
