Luton girl set sing live on BBC Children in Need appeal
A young performer who was born deaf is preparing for one of the biggest moments of her life when she takes to the stage for this year's BBC Children in Need appeal.
Josephine, who has worn hearing aids since she was 12 weeks old, will join 15 other children and young people from across the UK for a special choir performance on Friday, November 13.
“I'm really excited to sing in front of so many people and be part of the choir. It's going to be a brilliant experience, and I can't wait for everyone to see our performance”, Josephine said.
She lives with her parents and younger brother, Teddy, and attends activities organised by The Phoenix Group, a BBC Children in Need-funded charity supporting deaf children and young people.
Although Josephine attends a mainstream school to support her speech development, her parents wanted her to meet other deaf children and develop a sense of belonging.
The choir, led by vocal coach Mark De-Lisser, will perform a medley including Myles Smith's Stargazing and You've Got the Love, originally by The Source ft Candi Staton, accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
Young singers from Manchester's Hallé Youth Training Choir will also join the performance.
Mark De-Lisser, choir master, said: "Every year, this choir reminds me just how extraordinary young people are. Bringing together children and young people from projects supported by BBC Children in Need creates something far greater than a performance.”
Through the charity's activities, which include crafts, baking, sports and trips, she has made friendships and become more confident discussing her deafness.
BBC Children in Need currently funds 36 projects across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, with funding totalling more than £2.5 million.
The appeal show will be broadcast live from Salford on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm.