Elaine Paige to release charity single to help vulnerable children still shielding from Covid-19
Having worked with the charity on projects that highlight the uplifting power of music, Elaine wanted to do something with this to help ensure the charity could continue its vital services and help even more children.
Singer, actress and BBC Radio 2 presenter, Elaine Paige OBE, has recorded a special charity single, a cover of ‘Sing a Rainbow,’ in support of The Children’s Trust, a charity she has been an ambassador for almost 40 years.
Elaine knows first-hand that the charity has faced one of the toughest challenges in its history. The Children’s Trust helps children with brain injury and neurodisability across the UK, and the COVID-19 crisis has meant that funding has depleted whilst its doctors, nurses, care staff and therapists work harder than ever to protect the children in its care. And the work does not stop; the vulnerability of the children means they will continue to be shielded and isolated long after the rest of the UK starts to emerge from lockdown and for many of them this means being able to see their family of friends.
Having worked with the charity on projects that highlight the uplifting power of music, Elaine wanted to do something with this to help ensure the charity could continue its vital services and help even more children. Elaine has been hosting virtual singalong sessions with some of the children who have to spend all day shielding in order to keep them safe, and will continue to do so even as lockdown measures start to ease of the rest of the country. In fact, voices of the children supported by the charity are included on the Sing a Rainbow single.
Elaine Paige said: “Since this crisis began, I have wanted to do something to help. Yet you feel so powerless to really do anything when you are isolating. This is something small that I can do. I have recorded the song with the children on video call and mobile phones, which has been great fun! We can’t wait to share it. I am very proud to have been able to record this song for a charity I love while in lockdown.
“Sing a Rainbow felt like the perfect song as some of the children are unable to speak so they have been learning the signs of the colours. The children have been showing me their wonderful pictures of rainbows which have really touched the hearts of everyone. Children all over the country started to draw rainbows as a symbol of hope during the early days of the crisis. They are so wonderful, positive and resilient - the very heart of our future. The children and young people I met at The Children’s Trust have had to stay shielding in order to stay safe, and some haven’t seen their parents in weeks. They are so brave.”
Elaine added: “Charities including The Children’s Trust has been quietly stepping up to support the NHS, often with staff putting the needs of the people they support before their own. They are unseen heroes and I think they are all fantastic.”
Music therapist, Claire Wood said: "We have been finding lots of creative ways to entertain the children during lockdown, and the singing session we recorded was fantastic. Music has been a lifeline to many people during the lockdown and it is always an important part of life here at The Children’s Trust. The children worked really hard to learn the song, pronounce words clearly, learn the signs and draw rainbows - things that they are relearning how to do in rehabilitation following a brain injury. It's such an amazing thing for them to be a part of.”
@image(Elaine_Paige_charity_single)
Released on 17 July by Warner Music UK, the single will be available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music and Apple Music and all major download platforms. All proceeds from sales will go to help The Children’s Trust. For information visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk
Elaine has also set up a JustGiving page for anyone who would like to donate https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elaine-paige
ENDS
9 July 2020
For interviews, images or further information, contact Stacey Daniells or Kate Coombs at The Children’s Trust press office at pressoffice@thechildrenstrust.org.uk / 01737 365865
About The Children’s Trust
Every year 40,000 children in the UK are left with a brain injury as a result of an accident or illness and many have to live with ongoing, long-term difficulties. The Children’s Trust gives children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability opportunities to live the best life possible, by providing specialist rehabilitation, education and community services across the UK. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk
