Singing student hits all the right notes to help Hospice appeal

Singing student hits all the right notes to help Hospice appeal

24 October 2012

A DOWNPATRICK student’s fundraising effort for the Northern Ireland Hospice has to date raised just over £9,000.

Matthew Campbell released his CD a year ago and has been delighted with its success and the tremendous support he has received from many people.

The St. Patrick’s Grammar School student, who has recently been gigging at a number of venues and playing at various charity events, has confirmed he plans to release another CD in December.

But it’s the success of the CD in aid of the Hospice which catapulted him into the spotlight and resulted in appearances on radio and television.

The year 13 student recently sang live on U105’s Boogie Bus mobile studio in Downpatrick which was one of the venues it stopped at as part of a major fundraising effort in aid of the Hospice.

In October last year, Matthew recorded his CD in the kitchen of his home with a little help from his father. Two weeks after it went on sale, one of the tracks was aired on U105.

“The track received tremendous feedback as a result and there was a huge demand for the CD. To cope with the demand from people across Northern Ireland, U105, my school and Gordons Chemist teamed up and together we ended up selling over 2,000 copies,” he explained.

“UTV also expressed an interest and filmed a short feature which was then aired a few days later which also drew in more sales.”

Matthew has been travelling to Donegal, Kells and Carlow to perform and the sales of his Hospice CD have been continuing. He also admits his recent live performance on the Boogie Bus was a little nerve-wracking.

Matthew continued: “I sang the Il Divo hit Nella Fantasia and did a quick interview with John Daley and Frank Mitchell before returning back to school.

“It was nerve-wracking performing live on air, but there was lots of support from local people who were in the mobile studio and outside the bus which really spurred me on.”

Matthew’s most recent gig was earlier this month in Carlow when he performed alongside well known Irish composer, Liam Lawton, to raise money for a nursing home in that area.

The St. Patrick’s Grammar student added: “My CD has raised £9,237 to date for the Hospice and the total is still climbing. I would like to thank everyone who purchased it, promoted my cause and helped me in any way. Your support is invaluable and you are contributing to a great cause.”