Huge cross-community charity concert planned for Derry
by Marianne Flood
A huge cross community concert is being held next month to raise money to help Santa visit sick children in Derry.
The charity behind the show is ‘Paul’s Campaign’ was set up by Frank and Marion Coyle in memory of their son Paul who passed away from a cancerous sarcoma in 2011 at just 27.
‘Paul’s Campaign’ was set up to spread awareness of Sarcomas, which are rare malignant tumours that arise from transformed cells of the connective tissues such as muscle, fat, cartilage or bone.
In recent years the charity has also been organising visits from Santa for sick children and children whose parents are ill.
After a particularly emotional visit last year Mr Coyle decided he wanted to roll the service to both sides of the community.
“Santa visited the home of a 5-year-old boy last year whose mother was ill,” he explained.
“He asked Santa if he knew God and Santa said he did and that he’s the boss and whatever he says goes.
“Then the when Santa was leaving the boy said to him ‘the next time you see God will you ask him to make my mammy better’ and Santa said ‘I’ll ask him, he’s the boss’.
“I think that was the moment really struck a chord and we wanted to bring Santa to as many children as possible.
“When you go into the house the reaction of the children is just fantastic and they bring all their brothers and sisters and friends and there might be 10 children there.
“We want this to be for everyone.”
Frank made contact with The Rev Canon Raymond Stewart at St Columb’s Cathedral and asked for his help to stage a fundraising concert.
“I thought it would be a great idea as I want the Cathedral to be inclusive as possible- as it has always been,” said Dean Stewart.
“I put Frank in touch with Nicky [Morton] and Louis [Fields] and our choristers and we decided that a venue like the Millennium Forum would be perfect as you wouldn’t be curtailed what you can do there.”
Masters students Nicky and Louis are the musical directors for the concert ‘Singing for Sarcoma’ which will also raise awareness of the disease.
“We work with the boy choristers and accompany and direct them but we’ve never worked on something as big as this,” explained Nicky.
“Hopefully this won’t be the last time either, we’d love to do something like this every year,” added Louis.
“We will have information stands there from The Pink Ladies, Paul’s Campaign and Action Cancer,” said Mr Coyle.
“The message of ‘Paul’s Campaign is if you have a lump, bump or cyst go to the doctor
“You know 90 per cent of the time it’s nothing but it’s the 10 per cent you need to think about.”
‘Singing for Sarcoma’ will take place at the Millennium Forum on Saturday November 4, doors will open at 7pm and tickets will cost £11.
The show is being musically directed by Damien McAdam and Patsy McCallion the acts will include ‘I am’, The St Columb’s Cathedral Choristers, Rosemount Male Voice Choir, Two’s Harmony, Katie Patton, Cross Community School’s Choir and Galliagh Youth Choir.