By media student Polly Foster
Demelza is a charity close to the hearts of many Thanet families who have used its services caring for children and young people with serious or life-limiting conditions.
It is also a cause being championed by figure skating Olympian and former Dancing on Ice judge Robin Cousins who, for one night only, is taking to the Granville Theatre stage in Ramsgate with some of his famous friends to host a fundraising spectacular in aid of the charity.
‘Love Is In the Air’, showing on 7th April, is the brainchild of Demelza Ambassador Robin, along with friend and colleague, West End star and Faversham resident, Anna-Jane Casey.
Last year the charity celebrated its 25th anniversary and it was during these celebrations that the plan for ‘Love is in the Air’ was hatched.
Robin explains he didn’t need much encouragement to get the ball rolling: “We actually had a few hours to talk about the charity and it wasn’t much of a discussion to say, ‘let’s put on a show’.”
Anna-Jane added: “I have a big mouth and loads of contacts in the entertainment industry and so we thought that would be the best way to help.”
Fellow Demelza ambassador and Bucks Fizz alumni Cheryl Baker and Mike Nolan were the first to sign up, and the cast now boasts a list of well know names, from Eastenders’ Jenna Russell, to Holby city’s Amy Lennox – not to mention a host of stars from West End musicals.
Most significantly perhaps is the Demelza Choir – a group made up from families, volunteers and staff from the charity, who are close to the beating heart of its vital work.
Performing alongside them is Hallie from Herne Bay – a young talent who was spotted by none other than Simon Cowell during his 2019 visit to the hospice, when he also asked Hallie to perform on the X Factor single.
Watching keenly from the wings will be Molly Mallon, venue manager at the Granville Theatre, whose friend’s son sadly passed away aged just four.
Brooklyn Bain was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour called Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) on October 13, 2023.
The Ramsgate youngster, who was a loved member of the Regency Dance School, had undergone radiotherapy treatment at The Marsden in a crucial effort to pause the tumour’s growth and provide his family with more time to spend with him.
Despite the challenges, Brooklyn’s infectious personality, love, and kindness leaves an indelible mark on those who knew him. The youngster sadly passed on January 5th this year.
Molly said: “Brooklyn was a massive part of our local community and the support he had from Demelza meant so much to the family.
“We are so pleased and honoured to support this event, not only for Brooklyn but all the other children and families who have had amazing support from Demelza.”
Hayley Richardson, Director of Fundraising at Demelza, said: “Where else would you have the opportunity to see so many West End performers for such a reasonable price, all while supporting you local children’s charity? We are so grateful to AJ and Robin.”
Tickets for the one-off performance on Sunday 7th April, from 7.30pm, are selling fast.
They cost from £33.00, plus transaction fee of £2.50, and can be bought from the Granville Theatre’s box office or at: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/love-is-in-the-air/granville-theatre/
Tickets for Demelza’s newly launched fundraising raffle can also be purchased at www.demelza.org.
Polly is a creative writing and journalism student at Canterbury College currently undertaking work experience with The Isle of Thanet News.