On 29th November 2019 we created a fabulous event for our friends and families to raise money in aid of the charity 52 Lives.

In total the evening raised £1170.41 which we then doubled with the generosity of our friends who are Barclays staff. The total amount we donated to 52 Lives was a huge £2340.82. Thank you again to everyone who was involved as a singer, volunteer, guest and staff to make this possible!

Jaime at 52 Lives has been in touch since to let us know how our money was spent:

Half of the money, £1170.41, was given directly to the Schools Kindness Workshops. For those who attended the Christmas Cabaret, you may remember that the reason I chose 52 Lives as our charity last year was due to these kindness workshops and the charity’s close affiliation with the Anti Bullying Alliance.

This was because several of my students confided that they were being bullied in school or at work and I wanted to arrange something positive for us to focus on that could help reduce these instances of bullying.

Some of the money we raised was used to show some kindness to baby Alice and her family. Alice was born with a defect to her abdominal wall requiring surgery and she now needs a liver transplant. The money we raised has helped to improve the family’s home environment. You can read more about Alice here.

The rest of the money we raised was used to show some kindness to Anne and William following a devastating bereavement. The funds will enable William to have a newly decorated bedroom and for Anne to have some sewing items. Their story is a sensitive one, which you can read more about here.

I’m absolutely certain you’ll all agree that the money we donated has been spent so beautifully by the charity and has really shown great kindness to lives and friends when they needed it most. I’m so happy that the Cabaret evening has been such a force for good.

I hope that these stories and messages serve as a reminder that a little kindness goes a long way. If you know someone in need of help or having a difficult time, please show a little kindness and reach out to them. This year, 2020, has been very difficult for so many people with an unprecedented change to life as we knew it. Remember to check in on your friends and neighbours. Isolation can be lonely, it can be tough on mental health and the economy downturn has left many people out of work or with limited work, struggling financially too.

Sadly too, it seems that we will not be able to arrange any performances this year in person, but I for one can’t wait for the celebrations and fundraising when we finally can!

Until then, let us spread kindness, gratitude and song (albeit song that is recorded alone at home…)

Much Love, Kate xo